Girtie Heying, 95, of Fayette, formerly of Armstrong and Franklin, passed away August 11, 2016 at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.

Girtie Mae  Brand was born July 16, 1921 In Harrison, Arkansas to the late Orral Lee "Ode" and  Ollie Mae Brand.  She began working at age 12 in a local mercantile before and after school. 

Girtie married Robert William (Bob) Heying on December 31, 1946 in Kansas City, Mo.  Bob was a Kansas City policeman at the time.  Girtie worked in the defense plants during the war.   Shortly after, they moved to a farm outside of Armstrong, where they settled in to raise their family.    Bob nicknamed Girtie “Peggy” and it stuck.    When their daughter was born, she was named Peggy Sue and later, when their son was born, he was named Robert Lee.   This made for quite a bit of confusion as there were two Peggy’s and two Bob’s in the house. After the children were grown, Bob and Peggy owned and operated a grocery store in Armstrong for several years.  Then they closed the store and went to work for the University of Missouri until they retired.    Both children had settled in Franklin, MO., so when they retired, Bob and Peggy relocated to Franklin. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a son, Robert "Butch" Heying and three brothers, Lee, Lavern, and John.  Survivors include a daughter, Peggy (Ron) Gentry of Franklin;  granddaughter,  Kelley (Kenny)  Marlett of Boonville and three great-grandchildren,  Ryan and Alex Holem of New Franklin and Kayle Rice, of Boonville.

Peggy belonged to the Methodist church and P.E.O. She enjoyed going on trips with her children all around the country.    Branson was one of her favorite places to go.   As she was raised in Arkansas, there was always a trip to Eureka Springs, as part of the trip.   She loved her family, enjoying all the family gatherings any time we could all get together.

Later in life she had a computer, electronic tablet, and cell phone and was proud of learning to operate each of them with a little help from her family.    She will be sorely missed by her family.

Services honoring her life will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Monday, August 15, 2016 at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin.  Rev. Harold Young will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service on Monday.

Private interment will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Armstrong.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Fayette Caring Center Resident Care Fund.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.

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