Vera Heaton

Vera Heaton, age 79, a resident of Pelican Rapids, MN, died on Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.Vera Irene Otterson was born March 8, 1928, in Minot, ND, the daughter of Leonard and Anna Berniece (Kelley) Otterson. She attended grade school in Minot, and Fargo Central High in Fargo, ND. On August 2, 1945 Vera was united in marriage to Warren Heaton at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. Warren and Vera lived in Minneapolis, MN, Fargo, Moorhead, and Larimore, ND, before moving to their home on Tamarac Lake near Pelican Rapids in 1974. For many years Vera was busy raising and caring for her family. From 1970 to 1972 Vera worked at Silverline and in 1973 at Americana Nursing Home, both in Moorhead. She started working at Pelican Valley Nursing Home as nurse aide in August 1974, in June 1978 she became assistant Activity Director, and Activity Director in February 1983. Vera retired in 1988 after having back surgery. Warren died on June 22, 1993. Vera came to Christ during her confirmation. Her commitment was reaffirmed at her believer's baptism in 1964.Vera's family and friends were very important to her, and she was actively involved in many lives. After her retirement Vera started a home based business of designing sweatshirts. She also enjoyed many other craft projects. Vera was a member of Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church of rural Detroit Lakes, MN.Vera is survived by her 3 sons: Richard "Rick" (Pat) Heaton of Ottertail, MN, Terry (Bonnie) Heaton of Brownsville, TX, and Dale (Lisa) Heaton of Pelican Rapids; daughter: Eileen (Bill) Hanson of Pelican Rapids; 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: Leonard (Janice) Otterson of Fargo, and Robert Otterson of Great Falls, MT.; brother-in-law, Arthur (Maree) Heaton; 5 sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Dean, Donna Heaton, Virginia Belle, Margaret Heaton and Stella Heaton; many nieces and nephews; and longtime friend, Doris Glenn. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and 2 adopted brothers: Buster and Tiny Kelley. Blessed Be The Memory Of Vera HeatonMemorials are preferred to Camp Joy Bible Camp, PO Box 372, Pelican Rapids, MN.