Dolores passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes. She leaves behind a legacy of deep love, kindness, and endless generosity.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a kind friend to everyone she met.
Dolores loved to host family and friends. She was famous for making everyone feel at home. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She was always serving warm meals and sweet treats.
Hand in hand with her husband of 72 years, Dolores lived a life filled with travel dancing, and card games alongside those she loved. Her adventures took her across Europe, with her absolute favorite journey being a special visit to her father's birthplace in Cornwall, England.
An avid card player, Dolores was always ready for a game, whether she was playing Euchre, gathering for poker with her beloved "Poker Gal Pals,'" Three Thirteen with her children or, most recently, sharing laughs over games with her neighbor and dear friend, Helen.
One of Dolores' proudest achievements was her time as Worthy Grand Matron of the Okemos Chapter #267 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She cherished the lifelong friendships she made there and poured her heart into serving her community through the fellowship of the Order.
She joins her parents William and Emaline (Metters) Thomas, her husband Edward M Heiden, and her three siblings William (Barbara), Clinton, and Barbara (David) Reitz who passed before her.
She is survived by her loving family, including her children, Douglas (Marilou) Heiden Deborah (David) Steinman and Denise (Rick) Smith; grandchildren, Joshua Steinman, Wendy Heiden, Christy (Randy) Heiden-Bene, Andrea Smith, Scott (Amy) Smith, and Shannon (Joshua) Delles, and great-grandchildren Sophia and Eva Delles, Hunter Heiden, Brianna, Bailey, and Bradley Bene. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Aletha (Irene) Watson who is like a sister to her.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 10am until the service at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel. Dolores will be laid to rest at East Lawn Memory Garden.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. To keep her spirit alive, please share a smile, a warm hug, and an 'I love you' with someone today.
