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Josephine married Robert James Heiges on March 5, 1949, in Traverse City. Together they raised six wonderful children.
Josephine enjoyed being a homemaker, traveling and her antique business at the Granary in Beulah. She enjoyed yard sales, garage sales, estate sales and auctions.
Josephine was a longtime member of the Christian congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, first in Traverse City and later in Kingsley.
Josephine is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert; her children, Linda (Gil) Mendez, James (Maritza) Heiges, Frederick (Anna) Heiges, all of Traverse City, Sherry Broad of Grawn, Michael (Susan) Heiges and Robert (Deborah) Heiges of Kingsley; 22 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Ernest (Edith) Steiner of Traverse City, Betty (Ted) Elumbaugh, Bernice (Nathan) Tucker, Robert (Kay) Steiner, Laura (Lynnie Dale) Brackett, all of Arkansas, and Diana (Lloyd) Griffith of New Mexico; brother-in-law, George (Verna) Heiges of Wis.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Josephine was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Rose Steiner and Shirley Jackman.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 2 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3750 M-113 E., Kingsley, MI.
Arrangements were made by the Cremation and Burial Society of Michigan.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Heiges
May 25, 2008
Mom,
You will be dearly missed by all who knew you. I will always remember how you liked having your family around and how you would laugh when we talked about the things we did when we were growing up. When we talked about some of the things you didn't know about you would say " you really did that" with that surprised look on your face. There are so many pleasant memories of our lives together you were always proud of us kids you were always there for us no matter what. You gave so much of yourself. But the best gift you gave was your love right up to the end. As I read what so many have wrote to you it really shows how you touched peoples hearts. You set such a good example for us as a Wife, Mother, and a Friend. Time goes by so quickly I wish I could have had one more day to spend with you I would tell you how much you mean to me and how much I love you. I will miss you so much. Good bye for now.
With Love your son,
Rob Heiges
May 16, 2008
Dear Mom,
Galations 5:22,23 speaks of fruitages of the spirit:" Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Mildness, Self control." So many times throughout my life I had seen these wonderful qualities displayed in yours! You like anyone of us have had your up's and your down's. But, through those down times you managed to continue to display these exceptional qualities. You always treated perfect strangers with respect and kindness. Your smile and demeanor were absolutely wonderful and a true blessing and privilege to be around. You've touched the hearts of family and friends like no one could ever imagine. My life's experiences with you cannot be traded for anyones or anything. All of us can learn from your good example and work at applying these qualities in our life. Both you and dad have taught us many things. But, I would be remiss if I didn't put first the spiritual truths you both taught us. Your examples in prayer, in study, in preparation for meetings and service and going to these regularly have truly been a blessing many do not have. Through studying the bible and history, I,ve learned more than I could have ever learned in any school anywhere. Thank You for this gift because this is the one that leads to life. This is the life Mom talked about more and more in recent weeks. Life everlasting! The bible paints a beautiful picture of this kingdom/paradise (Psalms 37:11,29 John 5:28,29 Rev. 21:3-5 to mention a few).
Soon Mom, you will wake up!
I'll do my best to be there!
With Love Always,
Your son Rob
Maritza Heiges
May 15, 2008
Throughout the 32 years I've known you, I've been helped to see how to be a good wife to your son, James, and a good mother to your grand-daughter, Tabitha. Your qualities of self-control, patience & endurance have deeply impressed me. You will be missed dearly by me, your son, your grand-daughter Tabitha and future great-grandson Logan. We as a family, are looking forward to the time when we will have a "Welcome Back to Life" party in the Paradise earth.
Terri Chester
May 15, 2008
Aunt Jo was absolutely the kindest person I've ever known. She wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings for any reason. My trips to Michigan were so memorable thanks to her and her family!! I look forward to the resurrection knowing she will definitely be remembered by Jehovah too. I love her so much and all of my family in Michigan!!
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Bryan Mendez
May 15, 2008
Gramma, saying goodbye to you was the hardest thing I've ever done. You have always been there for me, and you taught me some very important things. You taught me to stand by family no matter what and to look for the good in people. You were kind and generous. I'll never forget doing the paper route with you, all the garage sales, and watching you get up and dance at my wedding despite how ill you were. I'll carry you in my heart all the days of my life, and I will pass on what I learned from you to my own children and grandchildren. I Love You.
Deborah Heiges
May 14, 2008
In loving memory of my wonderful mother in law. The times we traveled are especially close to my heart. I counted 17 states we saw together, with many laughs and cherished moments. Your loving compassion for people has been demonstrated through your children and husband. I thank you for letting me be a part of your family. Thanks for being there for me as I cherish those moments dearly now! Thanks!! To have forever together (Rev. 21:4,5) will be a great blessing for our families. Think of the traveling we'll do then!
Sherry Broad
May 14, 2008
To My Dearest Mom,
I Love You and Miss You with all of my heart. Not one moment of the day goes by that I don't think of you. You taught us kids so much and you were a great mom . I have so many great memories that you have given me and I will cherish them forever, Thank You for that. I never thought the day would come that I would have to say Good-Bye to you, it was the hardest day of my life. I know that you are in a better place now. I only hope you know how much I loved you and appreciated all the things you have done for me over the years. Every time I walk into the house I see you sitting at the table, well at least wishing you were there. I Love You and Good-Bye for now, your loving daughter.
God's gift to us all.
Gil Mendez
May 13, 2008
Soon after I married Linda, I asked you if it would be alright for me to call you Mom. Without hesitation you said," That would be fine!" Since that moment you did nothing but treat me as you would your other sons. I always felt as if you were my second mom, most especially after I lost my mother 8 years ago. I'll cherish the memories of our (road trips). They were so much fun. You and Dad would make me laugh when Dad would poke you in the side, and let out that shrill whistle of his, and you'd shout, "Robert!, stop that!" Then I would say to both of you,"Children behave,I can't take you two anywhere!" I now realize how precious every moment is, and how we need to relish the time we spend with the people you love. I'd give anything to take one more trip with you. Now your on a trip where I can't drive you to. Every time I get in my car, I look back in my rear view mirror wishing I could see your beautiful smile. I'll keep you in my heart forever, I love you Mom!
Linda Heiges Mendez
May 13, 2008
Mom, I will miss you with all my heart. You have taught me many things over the years by your example. You have always been a loving, caring and generous person. I will always have good memories of you and look forward to seeing you again.
Robert Heiges
May 13, 2008
To My Loving Wife: I will miss you and keep the many memories we shared close to my heart. You cherished life and battled the ovarian cancer for 3 long years with dignity and grace.
James Heiges
May 12, 2008
Dear Mom,
I will keep many memories of you in my mind. One is the story you told of the grade school teacher who told me what to do and I told her that only my parents could tell me what to do! You always got a kick out of telling that story. I'll miss you and I'll do my best to be in the New World where righteousness is to dwell to welcome you back in the resurrection of the righteous.
Your son.
Laurie ,Ryan & Bracken
May 10, 2008
Our dear sister, mom and grandma, you were and are the stable back bone of this family, with warm smile and tender heart you have shared with all of us. As mother to your grandchildren Ryan and Bracken you have always set a fine example of love, for this I will forever be grateful. No mater what I will always make sure that Ryan and Bracken will never forget there grandma Jo. Until we see each other again in the new system, rest dear sister. We (Ryan, Bracken and me) have always loved you.
Susan Heiges
May 9, 2008
Mom
Though I haven't known you long and for as many years as I would have liked to, the time we spent together was as special to me as you were. You made me feel welcome and part of your family the first time I came to your house and that will always be very special to me. I will miss you and love you.
Love,
sheena broad
May 8, 2008
you will always be a great memorie of mine you will never be forgotten in my heart
September 2007 at The Beach.
Fred & Anna Heiges
May 8, 2008
One of our favorite picture of you and Dad. We will miss you!!
Frederick Heiges
May 8, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Casey Councilor
May 7, 2008
I remember when grandpa use to whistle and it would hurt your ears.You would yell Robert stop that. I remember the tone of your voice when you said it. It would always make me laugh. Grandpa use to like to do that kind of stuff to get under your skin. You will be truly missed. I love you grandma
Calie Dunham
May 7, 2008
Dear Grandma Joey,
You have been a great grandma to me. You made the stars dance around inside of me. When I think of you I think I am safe. I love you. And you love me too, You are my sun and I am yours too. I will miss you grandma. Love Calie.
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