Dodie Mae Heitman's Obituary
Dodie was born Georgia Mae Heitman in Alaska on the beautiful emerald isle of Kodiak, on October 30, 1936. She was the 8th of 11 brothers and sisters (Frank, Eddie, Milton, Shirley, Vivian, Gladys, Sally, Merle (Tootsie), August (Sonny), and Patrick, and was a bit of a rebel even in those days! She would much rather be out wrestling with the boys than at home sewing and crocheting with her sisters!
Dodie became a beautiful young women. She fell in love with a rakish young marine, Rick Jones, who came into her life while stationed there in Kodiak. She moved down to the states and married him. Dodie had 4 children, Judy, Rick, Debbie and David.
Dodie loved her family, but as they grew up she discovered many new interests – she loved snow skiing, playing her organ, all kinds of music, Dancing and she even learned to Belle Dance.
She later married John Hannigan and actually got her commercial driver’s license and drove truck with John for a while. Later she decided it was more enjoyable to just ride along. They drove across country long-haul trucking and she saw a great deal of the country.
When the grandchildren started coming she found they were the Joy of her life. Ultimately, she had 9 grandchildren: Todd, Kasey, Sarah, Jesse, Jason, Dustin, Ben, Mallory, Hailey, and; 5 great grandchildren: Nathan, Taylor, Alexis, Payton, and Amelia; and now 1 great great grandchild: Makenna.
Dodie later fell in love with Steve Joesten and had many great adventures with Steve, her friend Scotty and her cousin Fran.
Sadly, the past 17 years Dodie was afflicted with dementia, and finally left us to be with her Mom and Dad and so many others she has loved and lost over the years on May 25th with family at her side.
Rest in Peace beloved momma, grandmother and friend – we all love you and will miss you more than words can say…Until we meet again.
In honor of Dodie, the family would like everyone to wear pink or light bright colors to her service if possible. She loved vibrant pastel colors like purple, blue and especially pink! But, most importantly she'd want everyone comfortable!
What’s your fondest memory of Dodie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dodie?
Share a story where Dodie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dodie you’ll never forget.
How did Dodie make you smile?
