El Louise Heitz

Vivian El Louise Heitz, 95 of Rockford, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 with her daughter Lori by her side. She fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease for more than 16 years. She left her earthly home for her eternal home with her savior Jesus Christ.

Born at home on July 20, 1928 in Polo, IL, she was the daughter of H. Emerson and Mildred (Smith) Witmer. She was the oldest of 4 children and the only daughter. El Louise learned what it meant to work hard, having grown up on a family farm in Polo during the depression. She had to do chores before and after school everyday, including milking cows by hand. She grew up wearing hand-me-downs until she was in Jr. High School. She graduated from Polo High School in 1946.

El Louise started college at Manchester College, in North Manchester, IN, and then decided to go to Coppins Business School in Dixon, IL. El Louise attended the American Conservatory of Music in downtown Chicago, taking the train in. She inherited the gift of music from her mother. She learned to play the piano, violin, and organ. The organ was by far her favorite instrument. She could play for hours on her church sized organ at home, frequently entertaining the neighbors when the windows were open. She easily mastered playing two keyboards and the foot pedals. She loved to play church hymns and Bill Gaither music. She loved being the church organist for most all of her life, until her memory started failing. She served as organist at the First Church of the Brethren and Maywood Evangelical Free Church, both in Rockford.

El Louise met Keith Heitz at the Pines Roller Rink in Mt. Morris, IL. They enjoyed skating to live organ music. It was a time when couples eloquently skated to the music with women wearing flowing skirts and bobby socks. El Louise married Keith on February 11, 1967 in Cook County. They were married 45 years when Keith passed away on February 23, 2013.

El Louise attended Maywood Evangelical Free Church for over 45 years. She served as church organist and sang in the church choir for many years. She also helped in the nursery and helped her daughter Lori with children’s programs, and was Lori’s accompanist for many solos.

El Louise was an exceptional cook who loved to bake and make large meals. She didn’t know what it meant to feed just a few people. She had many signature deserts that people requested all the time, and she could make them in her sleep – always turning out perfect.

El Louise had the gift of writing long newsy letters in her perfect penmanship. Everyone loved to receive them and treasured them. She also loved to send Hallmark cards for every occasion.

She was a very kind and giving person, and whenever she saw a need, she would try her best to meet it. Whether it be someone needing food, clothing, or an encouraging note. She never worried about getting praise or recognition. She was just happy to see a need met.

Her first job off the farm was working for Kable News in Mt. Morris IL. When she moved to Rockford, she worked in personnel at Camcar. She left that position to take care of her mother full time who was sick with cancer, and later cared for several other family members.

She loved planting flowers, especially tulip and daffodil bulbs from Holland. She saw a lot of the United States on vacations, and in later years traveled to Europe.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4pm Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Maywood Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Gary Kniesley officiating. A visitation will be held at 3pm. Reception immediately following service. Private burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon at a later date.

Memorials have been established for Maywood Evangelical Free Church and First Love International (Kenya).

Lovingly survived by her daughters, Karolyn (Darrel) Hepp and Lori (Ross) Peebles. Granddaughters Amanda Hepp and Cassandra Hepp. Great grandsons Ben Jr. and Jaylen Myers. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene and Gloria Heitz, sister-in-law Marlene Witmer, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband Keith Heitz, an infant son, and her brothers Bradley, Ronald, and Melvin Witmer.

While she will be greatly missed by her family, we have the assurance that she is safely and peacefully in the arms of her Heavenly Father. She fought the good fight and has now finished the race, having heard “well done my good and faithful servant”. We were so blessed to have her for so many years. Our hearts and lives will be forever overflowing with joy, love, and beautiful memories of our times together.