Mabel D. Heller

Mabel Heller (Ketterling), 93, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2019, surrounded by family.  She was born in Fredonia, North Dakota on September 8, 1925, to John and Rose (Miller) Ketterling.  She graduated from Kulm High School in 1943.  After graduating from high school, Mabel moved to Seattle, Washington.  She worked for Boeing for two years and for Sears, Roebuck, & Co. for 20 years in the Accounting Department.

On June 5, 1948, Mabel married Leonard Heller, who also grew up in Fredonia.  In 1965 they moved to Southern California.  She continued working at various jobs and did volunteer work at her church in Fountain Valley.  After retiring in 1989, she and Leonard continued to enjoy traveling to Washington, Idaho, and the Midwest to visit their family and friends.

Mabel is fondly remembered for her generosity, warmth and love of sewing, especially quilts and stuffed animals.  Her special dish of chicken and dumplings was a treat for everyone.  She and Leonard were always an active part of their church, volunteering and helping others.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years and is survived by her 3 children, Deanna Stephens (Don), Debbie Weaver (Lance) and Gary Heller; two grandchildren, Lt. Colonel Matthew Van Hook and Linda Plunkett; 5 great-grandchildren (Kaden, Caleb, Kensington, and Cora Mei Van Hook and Jack Plunkett); her brother, Walter Ketterling of Seattle, Washington and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

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