Arlyn N. Heider

Arlyn N. Heider, 98, of Jackson, was called to celebrate Christ's birthday in heaven. Listening to "Away in a Manger", with family by her side, she peacefully passed away Friday, December 25, 2015, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau.

One of four children, Arlyn was born May 5, 1917, north of Fruitland, to Charles F. and Lizzie Shults Hoffman. She and Albert F. Heider were married September 6, 1936, at St. John's United Church of Christ near Fruitland. They had been married 44 years when Albert passed away April 20, 1981.

Arlyn was a graduate of the former Fruitland High School. She worked several years at the former shoe factory in Jackson; and for 32 years at the former Merry Lea Animal Clinic (Drs. Thomas Wills II and Nelson Stone) in Jackson, retiring in the 1970's. Arlyn helped Albert on their family farm, Double A Acres, north of Fruitland and kept books for their car dealership, the former Heider Auto Sales in Jackson. She was a longtime member of St. John's United Church of Christ west Fruitland, where she was the longest living member for several years.

Arlyn was well known for her love of horses and her skill for riding, training, and showing. In her own beautiful handwriting, she penned many special memories about the times she shared with her horses and of other high and low points in her life. She enjoyed gospel music and was known for her talent of playing the mandolin, an instrument she purchased from the Sears – Robuck catalog, when she was about 17 years old. When her granddaughter, Lisa, came along, she stole Arlyn's heart. The two were practically inseparable, and just like her mom, Ruth, Lisa soon found herself riding and enjoying horses and music as much as Grandma. These passion and attributes were passed on to her great-grand daughter, Alisha, as well. Arlyn was truly a passionate, intelligent, well-thought, well-spoken, and fashionable lady. She was a true example of a class act.

Loving survivors include a daughter, Ruth Ann (Darrell W.) Sander of Jackson; a granddaughter, Lisa (Jeff) Craft of Jackson; a great-granddaughter, Alisha (Ben) McMillan of Pensacola, Florida; a special helper and dear friend, Evelyn Wiseman of Whitewater; a loyal and faithful neighbor, Donna Bolen, and several other dear friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three siblings and, Viola (Jude) Wedekind, Virgie Hoffman, and Archie C. (Edith) Hoffman.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 29, 2015, from 11 AM to service time, at St. John's United Church of Christ near Fruitland.

The funeral will be Tuesday, at 1 PM, at the church, with the Rev. David Schaffner officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Richard, Roy, Ralph, and Ronald Walther, Randy Ludwig, and Brian Schoenebeck. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Craft, Ben McMillan, Dr. Nelson Stone, Don Sander, Jerry King, and Bobby Abernathy.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. John's United Church of Christ.

To view Arlyn’s on-line DVD, click here: http://videos.lifetributes.com/659094 or click on the play button on the video link below.