Ronald Heffner

Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Ronald Heffner

Ronald E Heffner, 69, formerly of Glenns Ferry died peacefully in his home in Boise on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007.

Funeral mass was held Friday, Nov. 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boise with burial following at Morris Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were by Summers Funeral Homes, Boise Chapel.

Ron was born May 13, 1938, in York, Pa. When he was 7, he moved to Glenns Ferry with his family. He graduated from Glenns Ferry High School in 1956.

He attended Boise Junior College where he earned a letter in football playing for Lyle Smith. He then joined the US Army and spent two years with the 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard. He was a member of the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C.

While there he met Vivian Woolace and they were married in 1960. The couple moved to Idaho where they raised their five children. Ron built a successful career in Life insurance and later added Real Estate Services. Ron was an entrepreneur and had a passion for buying real estate. He had a very successful business for over 40 years, his family said.

"Ron was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend to many," his family added. "His family was the center of his universe. Everything he did was for his family."

The Heffner family described itself as being "extremely close, beyond comparison," noting that "it was Ron's love, guidance, and example that made that all possible. He was active coaching his children in little league, Optimist football and many other sports. He never missed a game."

He was a proud Bishop Kelly and Boise State Booster, and past president of the Bronco Athletic Association. He was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Hillcrest Country Club.

Ron enjoyed many adventures with all his buddies, golfing, fishing, traveling, and tailgating at BSU games.

"He was always a big fan of a good meal and good wine with friends and family. His family and friends meant the world to him. He would electrify every room he entered with his unforgettable love, amazing smile, and booming laughter," his family said.

When Vivian died after 35 years of marriage "he was blessed with another wonderful woman, Beverly Stiehl, his 'Bezzy girl'," his family said. "He spent the last twelve years living his life to the fullest with his beloved companion Beverly. They traveled far and wide and spent many wonderful winters in Arizona and San Diego with their dear friends.

He is survived by: his partner and friend, Beverly Stiehl of Boise; two daughters, Tami Kerensky and son-in-law John, of Boise, and Tina Pagano and son-in-law Chuck, of North Carolina; sons Tom Heffner and daughter-in-law Maria, Terry Heffner and daughter-in-law Kirstin, Tim Heff-ner and daughter-in-law Noelle, all of Boise; his twin brother, Roland; sisters Janice, Donna, Suann, Patty, Bonnie, and Betty; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Vivian F. Heffner, his mother, Phyllis Anderson, and brothers Michael and Jeffrey Lenniger.