Effie Carolyn (Dean) Heller, 89, of Holton, KS, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, November 11,2018 at Medicalodge Jackson County; after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born on August 26, 1929 in Council Grove, KS, the daughter of Elza Henry and Julia Ellen (Satchell) Dean. Effie graduated from Emporia High School in 1946 and attended the College of Emporia and then Emporia State University to obtain her Normalcy Teaching Certificate. At the age of 60, Effie obtained her Associates Degree from Highland Junior College.

 On October 23,1949 she was married to Joseph H. Heller at Emporia, KS and together they raised 6 children on a farm southwest of Holton, before he passed on February 8,1976.

 In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Effie’s husband, Joe, earned his pilot’s license. On the weekends, Joe and Effie flew the Cessena aircraft numerous places; including Table Rock, MO, Orlando, FL (to visit their daughter) as well as several locations in Colorado.

Effie was a very determined woman with many varied interests. Her careers include farming and stockman, owner and operator of Heller's Truck Stop for many years, including her antique business. She worked for Jarboe’s Garden Spot south of Holton and she discovered later in life her passion for cartography and worked at the Jackson County Appraisers Office for many years.

She was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, St. Dominic Altar Society, Banner Grange, Holton VFW Post 1367 Auxiliary, Friendship Club and Red Hats Society.

Effie is survived by her children, Susan “Gayle” (late Edward) Dunn of Holton KS, Patricia (David) Warnke of Sheboygan WI, Wayne (Lori) of Independence KS, Julia (Ron) Kendall of Palm Coast, FL, and Dru (Tony) Potter of Wichita KS; brother, George Dean of Emporia KS; sister-in-law, Novena Newman of Holton KS; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Charles Heller; grandson, Joey; an infant sister, Lucy, and her brother Arden Dean.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery.  Rosary will be recited 5:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with visitation to follow until 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Holton Community Center Food Pantry or Holton Community Hospital Hospice, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.