Melvern - Stella Jean Heuer, 71, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She was born on May 26, 1952, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of George and Alice (Anderson) Franks.

Stella grew up in Ottawa and had lived in Melvern for the last 30 years.

Stella had worked as a Corrections Officer for the Indiana State Prison and then worked for the Osage County Sheriff's Department as a Deputy Jailer for nearly 28 years. After she retired, Stella became a friendly face at the Dollar General Store in Lyndon.

Stella was united in marriage to David Heuer on May 7, 1976, in Michigan City, Indiana.

Stella was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alice; by two daughters, Nevada Forrer and Kimberly Heuer; and by a grandson, Damian Hopkins.

Stella is survived by her husband, David, of over 47 years; her two daughters, Michelle Stroud and Alicia Syens; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Stella will be held on Sunday, May 26, 2024, starting at 12:00pm at the Melvern Community Center. Cards may be sent to David at PO Box 29, Melvern, KS.