Marian Heath

After a life well lived, Marian L. Heath (91) went to be with the Lord on November 19, 2021. A life-long resident of La Porte County, she was born on April 20, 1930 to Raymond H. and Edna (Hoeppner) Link.

As a child, she loved running with her dogs along Stone and Pine lakes.  She spent many happy weekends with her dad working on the family farm in Springfield Township. She later purchased a horse, Smokey, and could been seen riding him through the streets of the city.

Marian was a 1947 graduate of La Porte High School and attended classes at Purdue North Central.  On June 3, 1953, Marian married Harold Otha Heath, who preceded her in death on March 14, 1972.

They built a home on the corner of the farm, and there raised their family.  In the early years of her marriage, Marian was a stay-at-home mom. Once her children were all in school, she returned to work at GTE, eventually retiring as a supervisor with 30 years of service.

Marian is survived by her three children, Thomas (Kathy) Heath of La Porte, Holly (James) Catron of Fishers, Indiana, and Merri Heath.  She was blessed with three grandchildren, Scott (Sarah) Surber, Todd (Rachel) Surber, and Heidi (Ethan) Herbert and seven great-grandchildren, Adalyn "Ady" Surber, Kallie Surber, Landis Surber, Lilyann "Lily" Surber, Alaina Surber, Alexis "Lexi" Surber, and Zane Herbert.

In addition to her husband, Marian was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ralph H. Link.

Marian loved to spend time playing cards and chatting with her high school friends, whose relationships spanned over 70 years.  She also spent many happy moments with Richard Miller, who preceded her in death in 1995. She maintained her great love for animals through the years, adopting rescue dogs.  She rode a horse at the age of 80.

Over the years, she developed a close bond with her grandkids, sharing a love of professional basketball and football, attending their events, and taking them on “candy runs”.  After that, her great-grandkids adored her and spent some great times with her.

She loved to travel with family and friends, visiting Israel, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other destinations.  As a member of First United Methodist Church in La Porte, she belonged to Naomi Circle and served as a leader of the Parish Shepherds.  She volunteered with the La Porte Hospital Auxiliary.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Marian's friends, Libby, Lou, and cousin Nancy (who recently passed away), who stayed in touch with her until her passing.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November, 24, 2021 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Bob Vale and Pastor Evan Lash officiating.  Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Family requests that all attending would please wear a mask.

Memorial donations may be made to The Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center, 2855 W. SR 2, La Porte, IN  46350 or Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 S. Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN  46614.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.