Dee Ann Heller, 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday April 27, 2015, at her home in Hot Springs, SD.

She was born February 19, 1944, in Rapid City, SD to Aaron & Mildred Hansen, the youngest of 11 children. Dee Ann married Lewis Heller in 1967, beginning a life of companionship with a man who would be her best friend throughout all their years of marriage. They raised two wonderful children together, Machelle (Shelley) and Darren and were fortunate to be blessed with 8 Grandchildren, 6 Great Grandchildren, and another on the way.

Dee Ann had many passions in life, where her creative insights were an inspiration to all. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and varied crafting projects, all of which when done with family and/or friends increased her fulfillment. In later years, her declining health, prevented her from doing many of the things that she longed to do and accomplish, but her spirit & mind far exceeded any of the physical limitations that kept her from doing them. She never gave up hope, in good times or strife, she would always place it in God's Hands ... taking comfort in knowing that His will would be done, and His spirit & strength would guide.

As unexpected as her passing was, we all take comfort in knowing that her creative soul & compassion will continue to live on through her family, friends, and all lives that she had an opportunity to touch.

She is survived by her husband, Lewis; daughter, Machelle (Joseph) Hedrick; son, Darren (Elizabeth) Heller; brothers, Robert & Kenneth Hansen; sister, Barbara Ochs; brother-In-Law, Michael Heller; eight Grandchildren; six (+1 coming) Great Grandchildren; numerous nieces; nephews; and cousins.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Chamberlain-McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, with Pastor Ed Cutler officiating.