Delores Mae Heussner, age 88, a resident of Hale, Missouri was peacefully welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 15, 2026. She was born the daughter of Samuel Richard and Clara Louise (Deckert) Hewitt on September 8, 1938, in Aurora, Illinois. Delores was a 1956 graduate of Elburn High School in Elburn, Illinois.

Delores was united in marriage to John Arthur Richards on January 24, 1958. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1970. She was then married to Russell Alvin Heussner on October 2, 1970. He preceded her in death on August 11, 1991. Delores dedicated her life to being a homemaker, providing a warm and nurturing environment for her family. Her love for cooking and baking was well-known, and she shared her culinary talents as a cafeteria cook at the Hale School for several years. Her passion for gardening brought beauty and joy to those around her.

A devoted member of the United Methodist Church of Hale, Missouri, Delores was also an active member of the VFW Auxiliary, where she contributed her time and efforts to support veterans and their families.

Delores is survived by her two daughters Nancy Dee Officer (Jerry) of Hale, Missouri and Kelly Sue Richards of Hale, Missouri; three sons Bradley John Richards (Hope) of Marshall, Missouri, Clinton Russell Heussner (Kristy) of Hale, Missouri, and Jason William Heussner (Megan) of Hale, Missouri. She was the cherished grandmother of 12 grandchildren: Beth Lea of Sweet Springs, Missouri; Daniel Officer (Omar) of San Francisco, California; Dane Officer (Brooke) of Chillicothe, Missouri; Heather Vaught (Steven) of Brookfield, Missouri; Erin Richards of Kansas City, Missouri; Kaitlynn Berry (Tanner) of Carrollton, Missouri; Drake Heussner and Gage Heussner of Warrensburg, Missouri; Hailey Smith (Cody) of Meadville, Missouri; Haden Heussner (Asia) of Hale, Missouri; Hayes Stuart (Justin) of Hale, Missouri; and Haddy Heussner of Meadville, Missouri. She was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren: Zoie, Noah, Zapher, Charlotte, Parker, Scarlet, Paityn, Hinley, Kip, Rozlyn, Moxen, Camdyn, Lynlee, Laken, Lux, and Brynnleigh.

Delores is also survived by her sister, Marlene Clara Hewitt of Elizabeth, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Richard Hewitt and Clara Louise Hewitt; her husbands, John Arthur Richards and Russell Heussner; her brothers, James Richard Hewitt and William Frances Hewitt; and her sisters, Lois Ann Carr and Mary Jane Helen Ellis.

Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Hale, Missouri on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at the Arkadelphia Cemetery, Avalon, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hale United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.