Aletta Jane Heath

Aletta Jane (Walters) Heath, 77, of Warren, Indiana, passed away suddenly at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Aletta was born on Wednesday, July 7, 1948, in Winamac, Indiana. She married her beloved husband, Michael Heath, on Saturday, December 13, 1969, in East Lansing, Michigan, at the Chapel of Apostles. Their marriage was one rooted in faith, service, and shared ministry.

Aletta attended Kewanna Union Township School in Fulton County, Indiana, graduating in 1966. Her lifelong love of learning led her to Michigan State University, where she studied mathematics and earned her bachelor's degree. During her college years, Aletta participated in a study-abroad program in 1976, living in Israel for four months, an experience that deeply enriched her faith and worldview. She later earned her Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, in 1980.

Aletta devoted her life to serving others through education, ministry, and compassion. She taught mathematics in Cassopolis, Michigan, and later worked as an adjunct professor at several Ivy Tech locations across Indiana. Prior to ministry, she served her community through work in Michigan with the Cass County Council on Aging.

For more than 20 years, Aletta faithfully served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church throughout Indiana. She was a member of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church and took great pride in being recognized as one of the church's first female pastors. She and Michael also shared the joy of being among the first clergy couples, ministering side by side in service to others.

Aletta had a remarkable gift for counseling and a natural ability to comfort and support families during times of need. Her compassionate spirit, gentle presence, and heartfelt care left a lasting impact on countless lives.

In addition to her ministry, Aletta was a gifted and creative artisan. She found joy in crafting beautiful handmade pieces, including crocheted bedspreads and hats, needlepoint works, and latch-hook creations, each one made with care and love and shared generously with others. After retirement, Aletta went on a life changing missions trip to Kenya for 3 weeks with Jane & Rod Stevens. She held found memories of her time there.

Aletta is survived by her husband, Michael Heath of Warren, Indiana; her sister, Carol Walters of Texas; brother, William (Pam) Walters of Goshen, Indiana; and her sister, Janise Walters of Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vachael Walters; her mother, Ruth Walters; and her brother, George Walters.

A memorial service celebrating Aletta's life will be held at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made to Solid Rock Church, 485 Bennett Drive, P.O. Box 322, Warren, Indiana 46792, or to the Huntington Food Pantry, Evangelical United Methodist Church, 1000 Flaxmill Road, Huntington, Indiana 46750.

Arrangements are being handled by Glancy – H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren.

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