Mary Rebecca (Ludwig) Heishman, 88, of Rio, WV, passed gently into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at her home surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

Born on December 4, 1933, in Rio, WV, she was the daughter of the late Clyde G. Ludwig & Carrie E. (Slater) Ludwig.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Oliver C. Heishman, a brother, Lewis Lee Ludwig, and a sister, Elizabeth Ludwig.

Mary served her family, church, and local community faithfully throughout her entire life.  She was unexpectedly named a Distinguished West Virginian by the Governor for her contributions to the church and her community.

Mary served as the leader of the Arkansaw Braves 4-H Club for 25 years and had been a member of the Rio Extension Homemakers for over 50 years where she held various offices, serving several terms as President. She was a member of Hardy County Republican Executive Committee for several years. She was a member and Trustee of Sperry's Run United Methodist Church where she had been Youth Director, Sunday School Teacher, and a member of the United Methodist Women for over 70 years.

Mary was a Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and one of the original founding members of the Mathias-Baker Volunteer Emergency Squad. In addition to her EMT duties with Mathias-Baker, Mary served as their first female President.  She also worked as a substitute rural letter carrier, and for decades, she provided updates on the Sperry's Run community through her weekly article in the Moorefield Examiner.

Surviving are three sons: Roger Allen Heishman and wife Mary Anne, Clyde Lee Heishman, Oliver Ferrell Heishman and wife Sherri; seven grandchildren: Brian Heishman, Christopher Heishman, Shelia Heishman, Jennifer Heishman, Carrie Heishman, Marcus Heishman, Natalie Vall-Llobera; seven great grandchildren: Colin Ramsey, Cameron Pinkley, Destiny Cintron, Baron Spencer, Eliza Brock, Eleanor Brock, and Leo Vall-Llobera.

Funeral services will be held at Sperry's Run United Methodist Church, 1599 Sperry's Run Road, Rio, WV on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Aaron Himes and Nip Crites officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers for the procession will be Brian Heishman, Shelia Heishman, Gerald Brock, Brandon Bowman, Marcus Heishman, and Joseph Vall-Llobera.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 6:00-8:00 P.M. at McKee Funeral Home, 17434 State Rd 55, Baker, WV.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sperry's Run United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 172, High View, WV 26808 or Hospice Promise Foundation, Grant Memorial Hospice 100 Hospital Dr. Suite 2 Petersburg, WV 26847

All arrangements are being handled by the McKee Funeral Home, Baker, WV.