Donna Heise

Donna Heise, 77, of Whitewater, Missouri died Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Chaffee Nursing Center. She was born December 3, 1947 in Perryville, Missouri to Hosea and Bertha Davis Cairns. She and Wilson "Butch" Heise were married December 8, 1991 at their home. She attended Perryville High School and later in life attended Southeast Missouri State University, where she obtained a Dietary Manager certificate. She was employed for numerous years in various nursing homes as a Dietary Manager. Before retiring she was employed at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri. Donna loved the outdoors and could always be found working outside in her yard. Sometimes to the surprise of FedEx drivers and mailmen she could be found mowing topless. Donna was a fiercely loving and blunt woman, who marched to the beat of her own drum - and everyone who knew her loved her for that. She loved country music, her family, her dogs and made a lasting impact on anyone she met. If she was around, you knew you were in for a good time and lots of laughs. Two years ago, she entered Chaffee Nursing Center as a resident due to dementia. She definitely gave them a run for their money and kept them on their toes. Everyone from the staff to the residents loved her. Survivors include her husband, Wilson "Butch" Heise of Whitewater, Missouri; son, Brad (Sharon) Amberger of Benbrook, Texas; six daughters, Vickie (Karen) McDonald of Puyallup, Washington, Lisa (Bruce) Brown of Friedheim, Missouri, Sonya (Keith) McMahon of Cape Girardeau, Lisa (Billy) Spradling of Springfield, Missouri, Melisa (Tony) Daher of Buffalo, Missouri, Lori (Gary) Reeves of St. Louis; three brothers, Bill (Linda) Cairns, Charlie (Jane) Cairns, Terry Joe Buehler all of Perryville, Missouri; four sisters, Mary (Bill) Balsman of Perryville, Missouri, Helen Gwin of Oak Ridge, Missouri, Patricia Mattingly of Perryville, Missouri, Bonnie Starr of Centralia, Illinois; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Donald Cairns and Hosea Cairns, Jr. Visitation will be 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau. Memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm Saturday, July 5, 2025 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home - Mt. Auburn is in charge of arrangements.

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Donna Heise

December 3, 1947 - July 1, 2025