Heatwole, Betty Heinrichs
Mom’s Life and Testimony
The Lord called Betty L. Heatwole’s name in the waiting room of life, and she peacefully flew home to be with Jesus in her sleep early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2026. She was born on April 14, 1933, in Reedley, California, to Jake and Dora Heinrichs.
During WWII at age 9, she helped spot planes, reporting to Fresno what kind of plane and which direction it was flying. As a teenager during the summer, Betty packed fruit for shipping, picked cotton, and also grapes, which were placed in trays to become sun-dried raisins.
At the age of 14, Betty, dressed in white, was baptized by immersion in a river, confirming her decision to follow Christ. After graduating from Immanuel High School, Betty worked as a telephone operator, connecting crank telephones with a switchboard.
On April 10, 1953, she married Harold Leppke. They had four children—two girls and two boys. Harold died as the result of a tractor accident July 10, 1959.
Two and a half years later in January, she met Hiram Heatwole from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. They married April 27, 1962 in Reedley, California, and moved to Virginia in June. They had three children—a boy and two girls. They lived on a broiler and dairy farm along Cross Keys Road for 45 years. Hiram died of a heart attack February 22, 1996. In December 2006 Betty moved to Floyd, VA, with two of her children.
Betty enjoyed birds, flowers, knitting, gardening, and making Russian Mennonite food. She was a member of Wills Ridge Mennonite Church in Floyd, Virginia.
Surviving are her children: Mary Jantzi (David) of Wroxeter, Ontario; Sue Anderson (Tim) of McGaheysville, VA; Paul Heatwole (Karen) of Rapidan, VA; John Heatwole (Carolyn) of Raymond, Alberta; Tom Heatwole, of Floyd, Virginia; Laurel Heatwole, of Floyd, Virginia; and Cheryl Knicely (Eric) of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-nine great-grandchildren; and sister Marilyn Heinrich of Rancho Cordova, California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents and husbands were an infant sister Marjorie, brother Robert and wife Darlene Heinrichs, niece Gayle Higgins, brother-in-law Bob Heinrich, and infant grandson Peter Anderson.
Her advice was: Learn to know Jesus when you are young and follow Him all your life. Be submissive and obedient to the Lord. Grow in Him—apply the fruit of the Spirit in all areas of your life. Live a life pleasing to God—not pleasing to men.
There will be a private burial service.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. January 19, 2026, at Pike Mennonite Church with family visitation following.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.
McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
