Donna Mae Olney Heyer

Donna Mae Olney Heyer, 102, of Berrien Springs, died Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Pine Ridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Stevensville.

Funeral services will be at noon Tuesday, January 10, at Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, where friends may call 10 a.m. til noon. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the BS United Methodist Church (where she taught Sunday School) or Pioneer Memorial Church (where she recently became a member). Online memories www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Donna was born March 29, 1914, in Three Oaks, the daughter of Jesse and Mae Frances Richardson. After several moves, the family came to Berrien Springs in 1924, and Donna graduated as salutatorian of Berrien Springs High School Class of 1931. She worked her way through college to become an elementary school teacher, graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a B.A. in 1945, and earning her Master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1957. Her teaching career included several area schools, including Berrien Springs. 

She quietly eloped with Rolland Olney and accompanied him with his job to Massachusetts, Florida, South Bend, and eventually Arizona, where they moved for Rolland’s health and Donna taught school for 22 years. After retirement in 1979, the couple continued to commute between Arizona and Berrien Springs until 1981 when Rolland died. In 1989 Donna married Clair Heyer. He also preceded her in death.

Donna loved the Lord and did her best to serve Him. She was very active in church, community and civic activities, musical and poetry endeavors, and she enjoyed gardening, travel, architecture styles, art galleries, and writing editors. She also founded the Berrien Springs Art Gallery at the Central County Senior Center.

Survivors include a stepdaughter, Kristine (Russ) Browne, and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded by a stepdaughter, Cathryn Crawford; brother, Harold; and sister, Caroline.

Visitation:
Berrien Springs United Methodist Church
310 West Mars Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Funeral:
Berrien Springs United Methodist Church
310 West Mars Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103