Ruth Heitman

DEXTER, Mo. -- Ruth Heitman, 83, died Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, in Dexter.

She was born Dec. 18, 1925, in St. Louis, to William and Lydia Horstbrink.

She was a graduate of Beaumont High School and a 1947 graduate of Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo. During her internship in college, Mrs. Heitman taught children on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Idaho. She has been a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God for 52 years.

She and the Rev. Frank Heitman were married Aug. 26, 1950. In the early years of their marriage they served as missionaries to Venezuela and Puerto Rico. From 1952 to 1995 they served as pastors in St. Louis, Advance, Mo., and Dexter. Mrs. Heitman was an accomplished musician and artist.

She is survived by four children, Carol Heitman Lucy and Linda Heitman of Cape Girardeau, Debra Heitman McKay of Dexter, the Rev. Ron Heitman of Chicago; three grandchildren, Nathan McKay, Makenna and Matison Heitman; and a great-grandchild, Will McKay.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Estelle Roney, and a daughter, Rebecca.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to service time today at First Assembly of God in Dexter.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the church, with the Rev. Ron Heitman officiating. Private interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Louis.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Assemblies of God World Missions Department, 1445 N. Boonville, Springfield, Mo., 65802.