Stella Heffington

Published 2:21 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Stella Yvonne (O’Keefe) Heffington, age 90, the beloved matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a proud member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Stella began her working life as a nurse’s aide before devoting herself fully to her family as a homemaker and stay-at-home mother to her nine children after marrying the love of her life, Junior Lee Heffington.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Junior Lee Heffington; her daughters, Marcia Brown and Susan Barry; and her grandson, Jeremy Heffington.

Stella is survived by her faithful companion, her dog Stitch; her children, Timothy Heffington, Karen Spicher, Ronald Heffington, Patti (Brad) Hacker, Cindy Black, Shari Carroll, and Daniel Heffington; and her many cherished grandchildren: Amanda (Matt) Cummins, Joe Spicher, Matt Spicher, Ryan Spicher, Jasmine Fuller, Michael Fuller Jr, Madisyn Fuller, Angel (Mike) Woodard, Edward (Melissa) Brown, Eric Brown, Heather (Hank) Mays, Ceaiara Heffington, Anthony Heffington, Megan Heffington, Ronald Heffington Jr., Christopher Hacker, Brandy Nelson, Amy Moore, Steven Black, and Isiah Heffington. She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is further survived by her siblings, Margaret Parker, Ernie Shoemaker, Hal Weatherwax, Tim (Sandra) Wallin, Theresa Barber, Eva Hoekstra, Lee Falk, Angela Morton and Marie Cuendet.

Stella will be remembered for her fiery spirit, unwavering love, and forgiving heart. She was as stubborn as she was strong, and there was never a stray animal she didn’t take in or care for. Her kindness, humor, and fierce devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Stella’s family will be celebrating her life privately. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Dowagiac. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac, MI. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Stella’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.