Vara Mae Heinrich

Vara Mae Heinrich, age 77, of Russellville, passed away unexpectedly Friday, August 14, 2015, at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. She was born July 31, 1938, on the family farm in Lohman, a daughter of the late Ernest and Agnes Goetz Pistel. On November 20, 1960, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Vara Mae was united in marriage to Elmer Heinrich, who survives at their home. She attended the Stringtown and Lohman schools and was a 1956 graduate of Russellville High School. As a young woman she worked at Kress' in Jefferson and was then employed with the ASCS office in Jefferson City, until 1962, following the birth of her first child. For most of her life she was a homemaker and worked alongside her husband on their farm. Vara Mae tended to a large garden, which provided many of the ingredients for the delicious meals she prepared for her family. She was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church-Stringtown, teaching Sunday school for many years. Vara Mae also served as a leader in the Stringtown-Corinth 4-H. She was an accomplished seamstress, making many of the clothes for her daughter. She was an animal lover, who enjoyed spending time with her cats, hand raising her most recent house cat, Rocky from infancy. She also enjoyed caring for her "grand dog" Harley. Vara Mae's greatest enjoyment came from being with her family; especially the time spent babysitting her grandchildren. In addition to her husband of 54 years, she is survived by two children, Alfred Heinrich of Russellville and Veralyn (Chris) Long of Wardsville; one brother Fred (Doris) Pistel of Columbia; two grandchildren, Brandi (Jason) Kirchner and Mat (Keri) Heinrich; three great grandchildren (with another great grandson on the way) Jace, Allie and Emma Kirchner; two nephews, Brad (Stephanie) Pistel and Curt (Malissa) Pistel; a great-niece, Taylor and a great-nephew, Jeremy, along with other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, at St. John's Lutheran Church-Stringtown with Pastor Jacob Mueller officiating. Interment will be in the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery-Stringtown. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Russellville. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery-Stringtown. www.scrivner-morrow.com