Marie Esther Heaton

HEATON – Marie Esther Heaton, 94, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 in Gilbert, Arizona. Marie is survived by sons Timothy Fred Heaton (Linda), Lance Elden Heaton (Natalie), Ryan Christopher Heaton (Allison); daughter Lisa Marie Harris (David), 23 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and sister Marion Bond (Richard). 

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Fred W Heaton, daughter Stacy Jo Hostman, sister Joyce Kepas and brother-in-law Dimitri Kepas and grandson Boyd David Harris. 

Marie was born on August 17, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Esther Ramseyer and Elden Angus Johnson. Marie attended South High School in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated with the Class of 1947. She went on to attend Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. While working as a secretary in the Biology Department at the University of Utah, she met Fred W Heaton who was attending medical school. Marie would say their dates were not the usual “run of the mill’ as Fred would discuss subjects which were not for the faint hearted. 

Fred and Marie were married July 26, 1953 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Marie was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served several years as Stake Primary President, Ward and Stake Relief Society President, Stake Young Women President, teaching in all auxiliaries and also served over ten years as an ordinance worker in the Albuquerque New Mexico Temple. She was also active in civic affairs. She was involved in fundraising for the elementary schools that her children attended; medical wives’ community service and other community projects. Marie had a fun sense of humor and could be found “clowning” her way through many church and city parties. 

Marie had many interests including reading, swimming, music, sewing, crafts and babies. A “Celebration of Life” will be at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gilbert Chapel, 1010 S. Recker Rd., Gilbert, Arizona with Bishop Michael Miner presiding. Private interment will take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.