Stella May Van Heck, affectionately known in the Wayland area as “The Cookie Lady,” died Saturday, April 23. She was 89.
Stella was born June 28, 1932, to Loren and Effie Dickson.
Stella was a generous, loving woman who enjoyed her church family, baking cookies, and the joy of sharing them with others so much that she was known as “The Cookie Lady.”
Stella will be remembered for her generous heart and vibrant, sassy personality, among other lovely qualities. She enjoyed her participation in the Wayland Garden Club and was impactful in the community with her work with 4-H, earning many awards over her years of service and volunteer work.
During her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), she influenced countless lives with her loving heart. She always knew how to make people feel cherished and important, and she was an active social butterfly.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Gerrit VanHeck; son, Timothy VanHeck; siblings Lorenzo (Juanita) Dickson, Orland “Red” Dickson, Carrie (Carl) Gleason, Pearl (Vernon) Bigger, Rudy (Rita) Dickson; and is survived by her daughter, Leela McMullen; son, David VanHeck; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her special friend, Gene Garseau.
Stella’s funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Calvary Church (304 S. Main St, Wayland), with a two hour visitation prior starting at 11 a.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, please make checks available to Wayland Area Ambulance or Calvary Church Youth Group.
Stella was a lovely lady. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends, of whom there were many.