"And just at the moment someone at my side softly whispers 'She is gone', there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout 'Here she comes'!" It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our mother's passing on April 4, 2026. Such a sad day for those of us left behind who loved her as she loved us, but we take great comfort in knowing that she is once again with our Dad and so many other loved ones who have gone on before. What a glorious day in heaven!

Ruth (Mimi) L. Heiney was born on December 13, 1938, to Bert and Irene Baney in Vestaburg, Michigan, moving to Holland, Ohio at a young age where she remained until retiring to Tennessee. She married Robert (Bob) E. Heiney in December of 1957 and for the next 60 years they enjoyed life side by side. Ruth dedicated her life to Bob and their three daughters, and later, their grandchildren, changing her identity to "Mimi" for evermore. There were always adventures and travels in the works, but nothing topped a weekend at home with loved ones visiting for a few days or maybe moving in for a while…or longer, giving Mimi a reason to cook non-stop! Caring for her family was always her greatest joy. Ruth's career path was varied throughout the years, working in the medical and financial fields, but her happiest workdays were spent as the principal's secretary at Springfield High School. Many students and staff members have reached out over recent years, which always delighted and amazed her, though it came as no surprise to any of us. To know her was to love her. In her recent days of failing memories and constant confusion, Ruth never forgot her "Bob", who passed away in 2018. She never stopped searching for him and asked everyone she spoke with if they had seen him; we can only imagine how happy she is today! You see Mom, Dad was never gone; he had just gone on before.

In addition to Bob, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bob Baney, sister Jennie Matura, nephews Ted Reese, Tom Prange and Mike Fauver and many other dear family members.

She is survived by her three daughters: Donna (Jack) Hill of Clinton, TN, Brenda (Steve) Stephenson of Lithia, FL and Sandy (Todd) DeGeer of Claxton TN as well as her grandchildren: Brad (Kym) Perkins, Nick (Lauren) Perkins, Ali (Corey) Payne, Stacey (Todd) Wilson, Brandi (Jerry) Taylor, Stacy (Ben) McCombs, Rachel (Matt) Simmons, Megan (Tyler) Newman, Bill (Tanaya) Kine, Heather Morgan and 25 great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by her loving sisters Patricia (Glenn) Hoffman and Barbara (Jeff) Goehring, sisters-in-law Carole Bear and Shirley Heiney, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ruth was laid to rest in Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens, Oak Ridge, Tennessee on April 7, 2026. "Knowing you'll be there makes it easy to go home."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant HomeCare and Hospice at 3001 Lake Brook Blvd. Suite #101, Knoxville, TN 37909.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Heiney family. www.Holleygamble.com .