Ona Ellen Heslinga

Ona Ellen Heslinga, the youngest daughter of the late Ephraim Alexander Holt and Gracie Victoria Green Holt, was born July 22, 1931 in Dunklin County, Holcomb, MO and was called home to Heaven Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the age of 83.

Ellen married her first love, Virgil E. Wilson December 8th, 1949. They shared 32 years and four children together before his passing in May 1982.

Ellen worked for many years as a Nurse’s Aide but longed to become a nurse. In 1970, she decided to follow her dream and returned back to school to earn her LVN license. Her family was so proud of her for working so hard and following her dream. It was then that she began her 24 ½ year career at Kaweah Delta District Hospital. She developed many life-long friendships during her career. A few remain close friends today. Iva Porter and Sylvia Carrasco to name only two. Ellen even made Sylvia’s wedding dress when she and David got married and Sylvia’s children call her “Grandma Ellen”.

Ellen was quite the seamstress and thoroughly loved to sew evidenced by her overflowing sewing room. She also loved to sing. She joined the Sweet Adeline’s Barbershop Singers. Ellen always found happiness no matter what she did whether it be singing, sewing or gardening.

In 1983, Ellen married Johnnie Francis Crum. They had 19 years together. They truly loved attending the Church Of Christ. Frank was the Elder of their congregation and she taught the Baby’s Bible Class. They also enjoyed working at the Yosemite Bible Camp every summer as long as Frank was able. He worked in the camp kitchen and she was the camp nurse. A true devotion!!

Frank went to live with the Angels in Heaven September 12, 2002.

June 26, 2004 Ellen married Bernard Dale Heslinga. Their time together was short, only 6 ½ years until he succumbed to his illness December 24th, 2010.

Predeceased by her parents, siblings and three husbands, Ellen is survived by her four children Shirley Pope, Barbara Raibley (John), Don Wilson (Kathy), and Bruce Wilson (Rickie), her seven grandchildren Stephanie Mullins (John), Brandi Raibley, Charles Raibley (Tiara), Elizabeth Axe (Steve), Jared Wilson, Kaitlyn Wilson and Madeline Wilson, and her great grandson Andrew Mullins, also two step-children, Dennis Crum and Linda Heslinga-Wise.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6 p.m. also at Miller Memorial Chapel of Visalia.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.