Sarah Alveda Heideman, 88, of Seneca, Kansas, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.
Alveda was born on March 4, 1938, at her family home in Seneca, the only child of Merlin C. and Oretha Sarah (Miller) Myers.
She grew up in Seneca, attended Seneca Public Schools, and graduated with the Class of 1956. On October 27, 1956, she married the love of her life, Donald B. Heideman, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family, sharing nearly 70 years of marriage.
After marrying, Alveda devoted herself to being a homemaker, lovingly raising her children and creating a warm and welcoming home. Once her children were grown, she entered the workforce, where her strong work ethic and cheerful spirit made a lasting impression wherever she worked.
Throughout the years, Alveda wore many hats. She waitressed at the Prairie Lounge, Friendly Diner, and Main Street Drive-In, served as head cook for Seneca Public Schools, and worked at both Montgomery Ward and J.C. Penney in Seneca. She also spent countless hours helping others by cleaning homes and ironing clothes for many of the elderly residents in the community. In addition, she shared her musical talents by teaching piano lessons to area students.
Alveda enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, watching hummingbirds, camping, and attending car races. She especially treasured the time she spent with her family. She was a caring and hardworking woman whose Christian faith guided the way she lived her life. She was a faithful member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca and belonged to the Altar Society.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin and Oretha Myers; her granddaughter, Jennifer Stallbaumer; and her great-grandson, Preston Wichman.
Alveda leaves behind her beloved husband of 69 years, Donald Heideman, of the home; her children, Sherly Betts of Seneca, Jan (Rick) Stallbaumer of Tecumseh, Mike (Lisa Schmitz) Heideman of Seneca, and Mark Heideman of Meriden; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.
A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorials are to be designated at a later date and may be sent in care of the family.
