Marjorie Kay “Boots” Heller, 78, of Holton, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born in Hiawatha to Robert Carl and Kathleen Howard Mueller. Heller graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1966, attended Highland Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia. She worked for many years as an elementary teacher and paraprofessional.

Heller was a horse enthusiast who supported her daughters’ rodeos, 4-H activities and other horse events. She was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and served as a 4-H horse project leader.

She married Gerald D. “Gary” Heller on Dec. 26, 1970, in Wathena. They celebrated more than 55 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband, Gary; daughters Gina Skaggs (Rob) and Mindy Pendlay (John); and brother Rick Mueller.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Robert “Buckles” Mueller and Bobby Mueller.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at The Courtyard, 426 Pennsylvania Ave., in Holton.