Anna Heilman
Anna Bea Heilman, 84, of McCutchenville, died Friday, March 29, 2019, at 12:36 p.m. at her residence.
Born in Carey on Jan. 11, 1935, she was the first baby born in Wyandot County that year. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Moser) Nachbar.
Anna Bea married Robert H. Heilman on Aug. 18, 1949, in Greenup, Ky. He preceded her in death on Oct. 25, 2004. Bob and Anna Bea moved from Tiffin to McCutchenville in 1951. Buying a small house with a small yard and eventually buying the surrounding acreage that they called home.
She is survived by two sons, Michael R. Heilman, Fostoria; and Daniel H. Heilman, McCutchenville; eight grandchildren, MiLinda A. Heilman (Michael Hough), Robin M. (Josh) Hough, Jason (Jen), Daniel Craig (Katie), Trey, Devon, Caleb and Hayden Heilman; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; a sister, Genevieve Bowling, also survives.
Anna Bea was a source of great strength and encouragement for her family. She and Bob attended countless late ball games, school plays and musicals to show her undying support. Her love of her flower beds kept her busy in the summer and her baking and casseroles are famous in the Heilman family. She and Bob shared a love for card playing, traveling, antiques, country drives and simply being together.
Anna Bea was the curator of the Overland Inn in McCutchenville for many years, as well as a member of the Wyandot County Historical Society. Her knowledge of Wyandot County history was passed on to many school age children and adults through her work. Dressing in period costume and relating true stories of the travelers, both famous and infamous to the Inn was her passion.
She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in McCutchenville for over 60 years. She was a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star in McCutchenville/Upper Sandusky.
A private graveside service, officiated by chaplain Steve Sturgeon, was held March 31 at Bethel Cemetery, McCutchenville, where her family laid her to rest next to her husband of 54 years and the love of her life until her passing. She knew her life was through, but she wasn’t scared to die. She closed her tired eyes, her final breath, a sigh. Her husband took her by her hand and whispered, “Annie, welcome home, it’s been so very long. We won’t be parted here.”
Memorial contributions may be made to Overland Inn Museum and sent to Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay Street, Carey, OH 43316.
