Ethelene “Toot” Heathman, 86, of Mexico, formerly of Moberly, passed away on March 13, 2019 at Pin Oak Living Center in Mexico, MO where she had been a resident for the past 6 years. She was born on November 27, 1932 in Glasgow, MO, the daughter of Irvin and Agnes (Nolke) Granneman.
She was united in marriage to James L. (Leonard) Heathman on November 23, 1950. He preceded her in death on June 20, 2001. Toot and Leonard, as they were known to their friends and family, raised four children: Dana, Jim, Ronnie and Jeff.
Toot was a homemaker for many years, then later worked at Orscheln Brake Lever and St. Pius X School. In retirement she and Leonard made beautiful crafts; he was the woodworker, she the painter. They enjoyed traveling around to craft fairs selling their wares. They also enjoyed traveling to car shows showing off Leonard’s antique truck. She loved to paint, sew, read, shop, and go out for Margaritas. Until relocating to Mexico in 2013, Toot had been a lifelong member of St. Pius X Parish. Since moving to Mexico, she attended St. Brendan Catholic Church.
She will forever live on in the hearts of all those who survive her: Her three sons, Jim (Cindy) and Jeff (Sherri), all of Moberly, and Ron (Mary) of Mexico, MO; son-in-law Mike Ballinger of Atlanta, GA; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many, many friends.
Toot was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Beverly Boss, and beloved daughter, Dana Ballinger.
A memorial mass in celebration of Toot’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Moberly. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
The family requests memorials be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, St. Brendan Catholic Church, or Pin Oak Living Center Resident’s Activity Fund, care of Pathway Memorial Funeral Home, 411 Union Ave., Moberly, MO 65270.