Gloria A Heeke

Gloria Ann Heeke, 89, of Marysville, died Thursday, November 20, 2025.

She was born November 27, 1935 in Marysville to the late York and Helen Marlatt. She married Paul Heeke on July 20, 1968 in St. Christopher Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2025 after 56 years of marriage.

Gloria and her sister Ruth were thick as thieves who didn’t steal. Growing up, Gloria played euchre every Friday and even shielded Ruth from the Michigan cold during school recess. Their bond stayed strong throughout their lives.

Gloria enjoyed spending time with Paul, especially riding on his motorcycle and attending concerts in Marysville Park and St. Clair’s Palmer Park, most of all when their favorite Elvis impersonator, Darrin Hagle, took the stage. They also loved going to car shows, country concerts, and the Elvis Fest in Ypsilanti. Gloria loved gardening and took great pride in her yard, mowing it herself for many years. Gloria and Paul loved to collect interesting things that meant something special them, as each item has a story. She especially loved country music, saving and sending cards, and searching for floral designs for scrapbooking. Gloria was known for her wonderful layered Jell-O and pies, and she enjoyed puzzles, Sudoku, and word games with her sister. She also had a fondness for butterflies.

Gloria especially enjoyed spending time with her family, loved children, and was polite to everyone she met. She had a warm, welcoming way about her that made people feel comfortable and cared for.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Arnett; 19 nieces and nephews, Jane (Bruce) Smith, Cathy Howard, Helen Wright, James (Cyndie) Marlatt, Mary (Jerry) Helms, Andrew Marlatt, Patrick (Michel) Marlatt, Greg (Cathy) Arnett, Jeff Arnett (Ruth Ashford), Lisa Young (Carl Myers), Mary Paul Young, Karl Heeke, Jonathon (Denise) Heeke, Thomas (Josie) Heeke, Elizabeth (Cecile) Stanton, Donald (Laura) Heeke, Brian (Anita) Heeke, Carole (Michael) Coomer, and Jennifer (Rob) Webb; and special grand nieces and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Raymond (Barbara) Marlatt; sister, Marilynn (Tony) Howard; two nieces, Michelle Gates and LeAnn Stroman; four nephews, William Heeke, Matthew Marlatt, Mark Marlatt, and Kenneth Howard; sister-in-law, Denise Young; and three brothers-in-law, David Arnett, Norman (Phyllis) Heeke and Jerry Heeke.

A memorial visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home followed by a procession to Mt. Hope Cemetery for graveside services at 11:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Christopher Catholic Church. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com