Julie Ann (Waagmeester) Heaton

Rock Rapids, IA

     Julie (Waagmeester) Heaton, age 70, of Rock Rapids, IA died on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Pearl Valley Rehab in Primghar, IA.

     Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Kathy Sides officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery.

     Visitation will be Saturday, December 14th from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the United Methodist Church of Rock Rapids, IA.

     Julie Ann Heaton was born November 23, 1949 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Gordon L. and June M. (Stewart) Waagmeester. She attended Central Lyon Schools and graduated in 1968. She continued her education at Westmar College in Le Mars, IA. After her education she moved to Fort Dodge, IA and worked with the Early Childhood Head Start Program.

     Julie was united in marriage to Ray Heaton on July 13, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Rock Rapids, IA. They made their home in Colorado Springs, CO. She raised two children and worked part time. In 2000 Julie was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease and as her health began to decline Ray provided her care. In 2015, Julie’s husband, Ray suffered from a stroke and died on May 4, 2015. She moved back to Rock Rapids to live with her mother, June. On May 11, 2018 Julie entered Pearl Valley Rehab & Care Center in Primghar, IA. She remained living there until this past Tuesday, December 10, 2019, when she died at the age of 70 years.

     Julie loved the outdoors and animals. As a young girl she had horses and participated in horse shows. She also enjoyed spending time with children, music, flower gardening, especially roses and pansies. She had many family dogs and loved watching wildlife. She will be remembered as a loving and selfless person.

     She is survived by her mother, June Waagmeester of Rock Rapids, IA; two sons, Andy (Rene) Heaton of Colorado Springs, CO and Christopher (Christina) Heaton of Ft. Colins, CO; one grandchild, Kendyl Heaton; three siblings, Jerry Waagmeester of Sioux City, IA, Lori (Dan) Kahl of Rock Rapids, IA and Melinda Waagmeester of Sioux City, IA; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family.

     She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Waagmeester; husband of 40 years, Ray Heaton; and brother, Jim “Chip” Waagmeester.