Delores Ann (Pickerill) Heilman

Dee grew up in Parsons, separated for extended time from her parents and siblings during years of the Great Depression compounded by the illness and death of her mother when she was four. Through these challenging times, the Pickerills kept their eyes on Jesus and stayed close-knit.

Dee barely survived black measles when she was five, a defining early moment that empowered her faith in her savior and the power of prayer. Her faith and early resolve carried her through to young adulthood, and she grew into a natural leader, skilled athlete, and compassionate caregiver. Dee took pride in the way she cared for her siblings as well as in her involvement with her school and community. She excelled as a swimmer, honor student, cheerleader, and employee in the jobs she took--from being an office girl at the community pool to working at the telephone company. Through her position at the telephone company, a chance ice storm in January of 1949 paved the way for a connection that changed her life. Dee fell in love with a man named Charles “Chuck” Edwin Heilman, joining him in marriage in April of 1950. Together they settled down in Wichita and raised three children, Doug, Linda and Jeff.

Throughout her life, Dee took an active role in many forms of ministry, teaching junior high Sunday School classes, spearheading the women’s ministry, and—for decades—leading the church’s nursery that grew rapidly with the church body at Bethel Life Center. Dee was the hands and feet of Jesus in many ways, notably for her commitment to ministering to inmates at the Sedgwick County Jail.

She remained an anchor of faith for her eight grandchildren. Family was precious to her, and she made it a point to open her home in a way that uplifted the spirits of anyone who visited. She exemplified hospitality and support. Directly or indirectly, Dee’s life impacted countless people in a way that points to Jesus.

Dee is preceded in death by many beloved family members including her husband and two sons. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Spears, of Haysville; siblings, Jerry Pickerill, Judy French, and Paul Pickerill; eight grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian Ave., Wichita, KS 67217. Interment will follow at Resthaven, 11800 West US-54, Wichita, KS 67209, at 3:00 p.m.

Those who wish to further honor Dee’s memory can make donations to Bethel Life Center.