Heather B Deyo

Heather was born on May 30, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Harry and Julie Coyle. Heather lived in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood, near many extended family members. Along with her parents and siblings, she attended Roberts Memorial Gospel Hall. Heather had a happy childhood. She played the trumpet in the Morgan Park High School marching band, went to Singspirations with the assembly youth group, and was known for her fun demeanor. From the beginning, Heather appreciated a good bargain. Once, when sent to the store for a can of beans, she came back with two because it was a better deal.

Heather met and married Floyd Deyo while a student at Northern Illinois University. The couple settled in Worth, Illinois. They attended Oak Lawn Bible Church, where Heather sang in the choir and served as the AWANA game leader. Heather was a stay-at-home wife and mother. She and Floyd raised five daughters together. Heather was a room mother, chaperoned field trips, drove to extracurricular activities, and hosted youth group events in her home. While in her 50s, Heather returned to school, earning a nursing degree.

Heather enjoyed camping with her family across the United States, visiting many National Parks. She also traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Ireland, and France. Heather looked forward to an annual trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, visiting the farm where her mother grew up. There, she loved catching up with family, picking berries, baking pies, eating pasties, listening to “Telephone Time,” perusing garage sales, and looking at the stars.

In her day-to-day, Heather could be found reading mysteries, piecing puzzles, clipping coupons, cheering on the Blackhawks, or feeding the squirrels. She had a green thumb, growing vegetables, flowers, and houseplants. Heather regularly swam laps at the local pool and enjoyed taking art classes, particularly excelling in watercolor painting. Brookfield Zoo, The Little Red Schoolhouse, and the local library were frequent destinations. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and granddogs. Her home was the hub for family gatherings; the door was always open. Heather was creative, hospitable, generous, and dependable.

Heather is survived by her five daughters, Kimberlee (Kurt) Ruckersfeldt, Kelly Deyo, Tracey (Christopher) Haack, Jennifer Deyo, and Stephanie (Michael) Fronczak. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Frederick (Mary) Ruckersfeldt, Emily (Randy) Berg, Anton Ruckersfeldt, Galina (Cameron) Sibley, Julianna (Seth) Hendrickson, Yulia Ruckersfeldt, Sarah Ruckersfeldt, Charles Ruckersfeldt, Madison Haack, Nathaniel Haack, Alexander Haack, and ten great-grandchildren. Heather was the sister to the late Sharon (late Ray) Hamrin, Harry (Mary) Coyle, and the late Joseph Coyle. Heather was the sister-in-law to the late Charmaine Steve, the late Charles (Paula) Deyo, the late Joyce Linscott, the late Joni Wilcox, and Jimmy Nicholson. She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Heather was preceded in death by her husband Floyd.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, 9:30-12:30 at Chapel Hill South in Oak Lawn. Service following at 12:30.