Obituary of Evelyn M. Heister

Evelyn M. Heister, 91, of Manheim, PA, formerly of Mount Joy and Mifflin County, went home to be with her Lord on Monday evening, February 24, 2025 at Pleasant View Retirement Community in Manheim. Born in Hamlin, KS, she was the daughter of the late Milton and Ethel Engle Byer. She was the wife of Orville P. Heister for 67 years prior to his passing in 2024.

While living in Lancaster County, Evelyn was a member of Cross Roads Brethren in Christ Church in Mount Joy. She was a former member of Cedar Grove Brethren in Christ Church in Mifflintown where she sang in the choir.

Evelyn and Orville met when they were each attending Messiah Academy in Grantham. After graduating from the academy, she continued her education by attending Messiah College. Evelyn remained a stay-at-home mother until her children were older. She then worked as a housekeeper at Willow Valley Resort. After she and Orville retired, they returned to Mattawana and bought a small farm. She then worked part-time in the laundry at Valley View Retirement Community in Belleville.

Evelyn and Orville eventually moved back to Lancaster County and settled in Mount Joy so that they would be closer to family. Evelyn was an accomplished seamstress and made many wedding gowns for brides. She also enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together and had an extensive collection of roosters.

She is survived by two children, Linda Tomlinson and Curtis, husband of Barbara Fasnacht Heister, both of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Vanessa Heaps, Camryn Heister, and Logan Heister; and three great grandchildren, Dominick, Mia, and Dante. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Ann Ginder.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, March 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Cross Roads Brethren in Christ Church, 800 Donegal Springs Road, Mount Joy, PA. There will be no public viewing. The family will receive guests at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. All are invited to a luncheon at the church immediately following the service. Private interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Mattawana, PA. To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.