Ella Maureda Shipe Heishman

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of Ella Maureda Shipe Heishman. Ella Maureda Shipe Heishman, 88, of Fort Valley, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at her home. A funeral service will be held Sunday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Valley. Reverend Larry Closter will officiate. The burial will be private at Sunset View Memorial Gardens in Woodstock. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Sunday at the church. A meal will take place following the service at Fort Valley Fire Hall. Mrs. Heishman was born February 1, 1935, at the Seven Fountains Family Farm in Fort Valley, VA. She was the daughter of the late William Albert Shipe and Eunice Eva Tamkin Shipe. She was a 1953 graduate of Strasburg High School. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Shipe and Curtis Shipe; sister, Lesta Shipe; and her grandson, Dustin Heishman. On November 1, 1953, Ella married the love of her life before he joined the Navy. Later, she joined her husband, Cecil, at the Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina. A year later she gave birth to their first son, Phillip. When her husband was sent overseas, she returned home to Fort Valley and gave birth to their second son, Larry. Three years later their daughter, Peggy, was born. Ella was a devoted wife and mother, and she held great pride in her children. When she became a grandmother, her heart was full of joy, and she loved her grandchildren beyond measure. Years later she became a proud great-grandmother, opening her heart to all six great-grandchildren. Ella is survived by her husband of 69 years, Cecil W. Heishman; two sons, Phillip Heishman and Larry Heishman; daughter, Peggy H. Plauger (Terry); grandchildren, Bradley Dooley (Nicci), Danny Dooley, Alethea Heishman and Calvin Heishman; great-grandsons, Allen Heishman, Warren, William, Walker, and Mickey Dooley; and great-granddaughter, Claire McClung. Pallbearers will be Bradley Dooley, Daniel Dooley, Calvin Heishman, Michael Laing, Philip Crisman III, and Alethea Heishman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Shipe, Robert Coverstone, and Edwin “Sonny” Tamkin. Ella was dedicated to her church, Faith Lutheran, by serving on the church council and various church committees, including making communion bread. Through her faith, she remained diligent in serving God. She and her husband raised chickens for over forty years. She worked hard over the years helping her husband with their business. She was a wonderful homemaker and a great cook. No matter how busy she was, she was the central figure in her children's lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fort Valley Fire and Rescue, 7088 Fort Valley Road, Fort Valley, VA 22652. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Ella Maureda Shipe Heishman

February 1, 1935 - August 8, 2023