Willa Heinan

Willa Mae (Knight) Heinan Mae--as she liked to be called--was born in Detroit, Michigan to Willa E. and Oliver M. Knight, Sr. Mae died on November 2nd, just three weeks short of her 91st birthday. During WWII she was employed by Hercules Powder Company and volunteered for the Red Cross. In 1946 she married Robert P. Heinan. As newlyweds they manned a Forest Service fire lookout tower in northern California. They later worked on a sheep ranch. Robert then began a career with two railroads which took them from coast to coast. During their retirement they opened a pottery studio in Canon City, CO. They enjoyed traveling to art shows throughout the United States. Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years. She remained in Canon City and enjoyed volunteer work at the Visitor’s Center, playing canasta and spending time with her friends and grandchildren. One of her favorite outings was an occasional trip with friends to Cripple Creek. She had a special love for dogs and her daughter’s dog Jake. Mae moved to Grand Junction in 2012 where she continued to enjoy the nearby mountain attractions. One of her favorite trips was to the Meeker Sheepdog trials. Mae is survived by a sister Gayle (Al) Smy, Weaverville, NC; two brothers, Byron (Georgia) Knight, Maiden, NC and Oliver (Eleanor) Knight, Lottsburg, VA; a son, Patrick Heinan, Grand Junction, CO; her daughters, Eileen Heinan, Poncha Springs, CO and Robyn (Delwin) Brady, Canon City, CO; grandchildren Megan (Michael) Schwenk, Denver, CO; David Campbell, Atlantic Beach, FL; Steven (Kirsten) Trainor, Canon City, CO; Jessica (Jordan) Orton, San Diego, CA; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery, Canon City on Wednesday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Fremont County, 110 Rhodes Avenue, Canon City, CO 81212