Gladys Mae Heyer

April 18, 1933 – March 25, 2011

Gladys Heyer, 77, of Merced died peacefully Friday morning at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 28, 2011 at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Deacon Joe Smith of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church will lead the rosary at 7:00 p.m. following the viewing.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Frank Piro on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Merced District Cemetery.

Gladys was the beloved wife of Harold Heyer for 54 years. She was a wonderful mother to Jeff (Kim) Heyer, Mary (Bob) Tyler, Susan (John) Deegan, David Heyer, and Joe (Christine) Heyer. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Tiffany, Christine, Anne, Elizabeth, Katie, Tori, Calli, and Jake.

Gladys is survived by her sisters, Anita Wulfekuhle, Donna Manternach, brother, Paul (Delaine) Knipper, and sister-in-law Gladys Knipper. She reunites with her parents John and Melania Knipper, sister, Nellie (Rich) Steffen, brother Virgil Knipper, and brothers-in-law Albin Wulfekuhle and Gerald Manternach who preceded her in death.

Gladys will always be remembered for her faithfulness to God. She lovingly cared for others making lifelong friends everywhere she lived and worked.

We are grateful to everyone who has loved her on her journey. Your kindness will not be forgotten. You were always in her prayers and will continue to be in ours.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OLM School, 1400 East 27th Street, Merced, California 95340.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.