Nellie Mae Heugel

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world."
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Nellie Mae (Gross) Heugel, who died peacefully at the age of 98 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. While she will be profoundly missed, we are comforted to know she is now in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father.
Nellie was born July 16, 1927, in Posey County, IN to the late Eweart and Dorothy (Atchley) Gross. She grew up mostly in Grayville, Illinois, attending a one-room schoolhouse – often being called upon to teach the class – and then graduating from Grayville High School and Lockyear Business College, in fewer years than it should have taken.
Working steadily into her late 70's, her career began at H.G. Newman Plumbing Co. where for almost 40 years as a bookkeeper, she was the only female employee. Next came Richardt Insurance Agency, and finally Old National Bank, where she was a Task Force Clerk in the Trust Department, mastering new computer skills. All three jobs were in downtown Evansville, spanning just under 60 years.
Throughout her life, Nellie made many friends of all ages. Despite being rather shy, people seemed to be drawn to her kind heart and warm spirit. She was a great listener and would also offer her honest opinion or advice when asked.
Along with always keeping an immaculate house and yard, she was an extremely sharp dresser. When she left the house, she was completely coordinated from head to toe, down to every last piece of jewelry. Not a day went by without someone commenting on her ensemble. Although she did not think so or necessarily like to, she was a good cook. Her deviled eggs and coleslaw were legendary but she could never tell us the exact recipe!
A devout Christian, Nellie was a lifelong member of Washington Ave. Baptist Church (now Creekside Baptist) and, in her later years, watched Dr. Charles Stanley on Sunday mornings. She also loved watching The Andy Griffith Show.
Nellie was a classy woman who enjoyed music, dancing, going to auctions, having garage sales, reading, movies, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, cards, games, flowers, and collecting things – especially jewelry. She designed and made many of her own beautiful pieces. Politics was always interesting to Nellie and she avidly kept up with the news and current events, always ready for a lively discussion.
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Karen Kinney; grandsons, Adam (Jami) Kinney and Noah (Kim) Kinney; favorite great-grandson and light of her life, Nolan Kinney; sister-in-law, Chris Gross; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Smith; sister, Margie Cagiano; brothers, Kelly and Robert Gross; and former husband, Roy Heugel.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville. A second visitation will take place on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Timothy Garrett officiating.
Entombment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 610 E. Walnut St., Evansville, IN or Meals on Wheels 3700 Bellemeade Ave., #113, Evansville, IN, 47714.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, especially Megan, Amanda, Laura, and Alex and also the entire staff of River Pointe Health Campus, especially the Activities Team and the staff on 500 and 600 units for all their compassion, care, and kindness. We also want to extend a very special thanks to Deniece and Buck Martin for being the best neighbors that anyone could ask for. They have been lifesavers in too many ways to count over the years and it is very much appreciated.