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Billie Heizer Obituary
Known as "BJ," she was born to Robert Milton and Woodie Ethel Chamblee on July 19, 1926, in Coleman, Texas. She was one of nine children.
Her family moved to La Plata County in 1932, where Mrs. Heizer attended the Orr Grade School through the eighth grade. Later, after raising her family, she went back to school and earned her GED diploma.
In January 1946, she married John Virgil Heizer in Aztec, and they started their lives together in a one-room cabin on the Heizer ranch. Mrs. Heizer ranched, farmed, gardened and raised her family there.
"Her raspberry patch and rose gardens were her special place to be and a beautiful sight to see," her family wrote. "She loved birds and animals and kept them near with her own "special" mixture of food."
Mrs. Heizer was known for playing ragtime piano at the Strater Hotel in Durango. She also played the piano at Durango/La Plata Senior Center dances and the Golden Horseshoe. Her family said she enjoyed the friends she made near, far and from around the world.
Mrs. Heizer was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, John Virgil Heizer; daughter Thelma Jean "San Dee" Heizer; and grandchildren Michael Shane Spiller and Joee Nicole Nichols.
She is survived by her sons John Michael Heizer of Riverside and John David Heizer of Las Vegas; daughters Pamela Jane Gilmore of Farmington, Audrey Marie Turner of Flora Vista, N.M., and Mary Jo Nichols of Penrose and Riverside; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church, 808 N. Monterey Ave., in Farmington. The Rev. Virginia Pevey will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the San Dee Heizer Memorial Scholarship, Fort Lewis College Foundation, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301.
Online condolences may be sent at www.danielsfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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