Lisa Marie Heritz

Stevensville – After a brave, eight-year battle with cancer, Lisa Marie Heritz peacefully went to live with her Lord on Saturday, November 11, 2006 while surrounded by family and friends at the Center for Hospice in South Bend, Indiana. Lisa, 39, graced the world with her presence when she was born on April 29, 1967 to parents Sandie Judd, of Dowagiac, and Henry Heritz, of Little Rock, Arkansas. No one could ask for two more dedicated and supportive parents. In addition, Lisa was blessed to have her stepfather, Dick Judd, and her stepmother, Jeanette Heritz, by her side. Lisa also had two loving and protective big sisters, Laurie Reyner (Doug), Daphne, Alabama, and Nanette Roach (Clinton), Dowagiac, Michigan. In addition to her family, Lisa’s greatest joy in life was being a devoted mother to her beautiful daughter, Megan Rhoa. Growing up on an asparagus farm in Dowagiac, Lisa was no stranger to hard work and helped her family with harvest season every year. In fact, some of her fondest memories of her youth were from days spent working side-by-side with her sisters and parents on the farm. After graduating from Dowagiac High School in 1985, Lisa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in social work from Michigan State University. A proud MSU fan, Lisa rarely missed a football game at Spartan Stadium. She was also an active member of the First Church of God in St. Joseph. Lisa was a woman of strong faith, and never feared where life would take her. She touched everyone in her life including those she worked with at Chase Bank, who were exceptionally supportive during the last months of her life. She enjoyed the outdoors fishing with her dad and loved to spend time at her mom’s home on Magician Lake. Those who know Lisa experienced first-hand the strength of her kind, giving spirit. She had a tremendous ability to put others before herself. She leaves behind many loved ones who will miss her greatly. In addition to her daughter, Megan, parents, sisters and beloved aunts, uncles and cousins, survivors include nieces Katelynn Roach, Sarah Reyner, and Brittney Rhoa, nephews Adam Roach, James Reyner, and Nicholas Rhoa, and her little dog, Lucky. Friends are welcome to gather with Lisa’s family on Monday, November 13th from 5-8 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles RD. Lisa’s extraordinary life will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 14th at the First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave, St. Joseph. with Pastor Prather officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made in Lisa’s name to First Church of God or “Mayo Clinic” in care of the Steven Briegel Cancer Research Fund or with Northwestern University Hospital and Dr. Nicholas Vick made out to: ENH Brain Tumor Research Fund. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com