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of Hillsdale, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, age 93, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Country Living of Hillsdale. She was born November 10, 1931, in Alpena, Michigan, the daughter of Walter Heinrich and Mary (Kivett) Schrader.

Mary Ann graduated from Chelsea High School in 1950. She was a homemaker, a devoted wife, and loving mother all her life. Mary Ann worked as a home health aide for a short time, and was also a 4H Leader in Chelsea. She found great joy in serving the Lord through Christian ministry. Mary Ann was active in her church, which included teaching Sunday school classes and hosting many Bible studies in her home. She and her husband, Charles, also helped plant a church in Vernon, Michigan. For the last 27 years, Mary Ann was a member of the Hillsdale First Baptist Church. Mary Ann was very patriotic and loved gardening, quilting, sewing, painting, and enjoyed cooking for her family.

Mary Ann married Charles Roy Heard on July 24, 1976, in Detroit. He preceded her in death on October 21, 1994. She is survived by her children, John (Donna) Lantis of Graham, Washington, Joseph (Sandra) Lantis of Chelsea, James Lantis of Guntersville, Alabama, Jane (Charles) Moore of Somerset, and Jeffrey (Kelly) Lantis of Hillsdale; son-in-law, Terry Salter of Chelsea; brothers, Donald Schrader of Chelsea, and William (Lee) Schrader of Grandville; grandchildren, Jennifer Nofziger, Matt Schweiger, Robert Salter, Brent Lantis, Vanessa Moore, Brian Lantis, Jason Lantis, Sarah Kruzel, Amanda Salyers, Christopher Swarthout, Justice Swarthout, Scott Lantis, Heather Miller, Kelsey Dice, and Kendra Gensler; 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to Charles, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Edwin Lantis; daughter, Jill Salter; brother, Walter "Bud" Schrader; and sisters, Ethel Strause, Florence Newcome, and Jean Coluccio.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 4, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Tim Ambrose officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 3, at Cole Funeral Chapel from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., and before the service Monday, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillsdale First Baptist Church, 9 E. Bacon St., Hillsdale, MI 49242.

Click here to watch the video of Mary Ann's funeral service.


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Comments  

#5 Bobbie Hoffenbecker 2025-07-31 14:42
I remember Mrs. Heard from 4-H. We girls spent plenty of time at her house. She was always so kind and patient. My sincere condolences to her family.
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#4 Alvin Blankenship 2025-07-31 08:05
We are so saddened by the news of her passing. Prayers for the entire family .
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#3 Martha and Larry Sch 2025-07-30 17:07
We remember Mary Ann as a kind and special neighbor. Martha especially appreciated her friendship.
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#2 Joanne Weber 2025-07-30 13:54
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mother-in-law. She sounds like an amazing woman and I am sure you will have wonderful memories of her. Hugs
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#1 Jackie Schiller 2025-07-30 13:10
To Mrs Heard's family. My sincere condolences on your loss. I remember her fondly as our room mother in grade school. Always kind and caring. Always a smile.
Just a really nice lady.
My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Jackie Schiller
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