Evelyn Louise Heath

Evelyn Louise Heath, 92, of rural Van Wert, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, at 3:14 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2014, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born March 5, 1922, in York Township, Van Wert County, the daughter of the late Howard Silas Miller and Grace C. (Emerling) Rickman. On June 16, 1942, in Covington, Kentucky, she married James Mounts Heath Jr., who preceded her in death on March 24, 1993.

Survivors include a daughter, Vicki (Larry) Royer of Convoy; a grandson, Jay (Sara) Royer of Convoy; two great-grandchildren, Colten and Saige Royer; three stepgreat-grandchildren, Morris, Tessa and Paul Kipfer; a granddaughter-in-law, Linda Royer of Elida; two sisters-in-law, Roberta Miller of Van Wert and Muriel Heath of Sidney; and also many special nieces and nephews, as well as her dog, Cocoa, and seven kittens.

A brother, John Thomas “Tom” Miller; and a grandson, Jeffrey T. “Squirt” Royer, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Heath relocated in 1962 to Waldron, Michigan, where she worked as office manager of Waldron Industries for 25 years, retiring in 1986, and then returned to the Van Wert area. She was an animal lover, and one of her many interests was raising horses and miniature donkeys. She enjoyed bird watching, genealogy, family history and antiques.

She was a 1940 graduate of York High School.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Gregory Leigh officiating. Burial will be in Tomlinson Cemetery in Mercer County.

Calling hours are an hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.