Denise Kerwin Heist was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She passed peacefully after a long illness, Sept. 15, 2023, in her hometown of DeLand, Fla., at age 73, a testament to her tenacity and courage.

Born in West Sunbury on March 1, 1950, she grew up the youngest of four children, graduating from Moniteau High School in 1968. She married the love of her life that same year.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Heist; daughter, Toni Ballesteros; son, Brett Heist; her grandchildren, Payton and Xander Ballesteros; and sister, Patricia Craig, of Pennsylvania.

Her earlier years were dedicated to raising her children, which she claimed as her greatest accomplishment, along with her grandchildren. She was a tireless advocate for her special-needs son. Retiring after 24 years, she worked as administrative assistant in the psychology department at Stetson University, where she was a valued member of the Stetson community. Reading, gardening, traveling and riding behind her husband on their Harley with friends were some of her greatest enjoyments.

Please help us celebrate Denise's life by making a donation to her favorite charity: Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org.

Be sure to click the “Yes, I would like to dedicate my gift” box and enter her name in the provided space to be able to donate in honor of Denise.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.