Dora Elena Heikell

July 10, 1935 – June 28, 2016

Dora Elena Heikell was born on July 10, 1935 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico to Eduardo and Odila Garza Diaz. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 28 at Samaritan Hospital. She and her family moved to the United States in 1954. She was the oldest of six siblings. Dora was affectionately known among her family as “Elenita.” Dora was very responsible and always helped her parents and family.

She was educated in Mexico and loved learning. At a very early age, Dora enjoyed singing and dancing. She often had the lead singing role in school assemblies.

Dora also worked for a movie theater and enjoyed meeting people and making new friends.

Through the example of her grandmother, Agueda Flores, Dora became interested in becoming a nurse. She worked at a doctor’s clinic where she received medical training. Later in life, Dora graduated from Big Bend’s nursing program as an LPN. She worked at Samaritan Hospital and loved to care for her patients. Dora had a compassionate heart and cared for people. Her life always involved helping individuals and families by taking food or clothing to them. Through her kindness, many thought of her as their best friend. Dora also worked in the Moses Lake School district as an interpreter, educational assistant and human resource/home visitor.

Dora loved to garden. In the spring and summer, she could be found working in her garden for hours. The result of her green thumb was having the most beautiful roses and a variety of vegetables. Dora was always willing to give of her bountiful harvest to her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, camping, cooking, dancing, sewing, knitting, learning to play the piano, and acquiring computer skills.

Dora was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to serve and had many callings throughout her life. She served as a Relief Society President, teacher and Cub Scout Leader.

Dora was first married to Baymon J. Summerlin in 1955. Together they raised their three children. Dora was later married to Robert L. Heikell on Sept. 14, 1984 in Moses Lake, Wash. by Bishop Les Michie. They were sealed in the Spokane, Wash. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for time and all eternity, on Feb. 28, 2009. Together they faithfully served in the Moses Lake Second Ward, Spanish Branch and as Stake Employment Welfare Service Missionaries.

Marriage brought together their two families: Dora’s surviving children Sonia (Clark) Butterfield, Lucy (Rich) Fitterer, Ray (Kim) Summerlin; stepchildren Dorothy (Kevin) Smith, Eric (Jeff) Heikell, Mark (Ester) Heikell, and Lorence Heikell; grandchildren: Mario Alberto (Michelle) Heikell, Julie Butterfield, Steven (Summer) Butterfield, Brian (Rheana) Butterfield, Dylan & Ryan Summerlin, Ray Fitterer, Bethany Lamb, Scott & Matthew Heikell, David Smith, Mark Jr. (Kay) Heikell, Chris (Brianna) Heikell and Sammy Heikell; great-grandchildren: Cavan, Christopher & Cameron Butterfield, Ethan & Chloe Butterfield, Adriana, Brandon, Angelina, Isaac & Avery Heikell, Layla & Cora Heikell and Aila Lamb and Aiden Heikell; siblings: Ray (Nina) Diaz, Linda (Domingo) Garza, Odila (Carlos) Rueda and their families and in-Laws: Linda Diaz, Ted (Joyce) Heikell, Ellena (Roger) Knobel, ZiNita (David) Carrell.

Dora was proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Robert (Bob) L. Heikell; parents, Eduardo and Odila G.Diaz; former husband, Baymon J. Summerlin; Hector Eduardo (Consuelo) Diaz, Henry (Linda) Diaz, Eric (Jeff) Heikell, Scott Heikell, Eldred and Joanie Heikell, Andrea Simpson, Deanne McAdams and Dorothy Brown.

Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Grape Drive Chapel, 925 N. Grape Dr., Moses Lake, Wash.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. at the Grape Drive Chapel followed by burial at the Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory.