Jean (Lewis) Heister was born September 20, 1942 in Perry, Oklahoma to Furman Lewis and Ferol (Dixon) Lewis. She passed peacefully from this life on May 1, 2026 at Stillwater Medical Center. A visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, May 10, 2026 at Strode Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stillwater. Interment will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery.


Jean moved to Stillwater with her family when she was 9 years old and attended Stillwater public schools, graduating in 1960. She remained close with many of her classmates, still attending "class luncheons" on a regular basis.


While still in high school, Jean met Bill Heister when he came to her house to pick up her sister's friend for a double-date- she had an instant crush. Several years later they reconnected and the rest is history. Jean and Bill married on November 30, 1963 and were happily married for almost 56 years until his passing. They made their home in Stillwater and had three children, Kris, Jan, and Mike.


Jean loved her family immeasurably. She was the mom that walked her kids to and from elementary school, started (and served as the sponsor) of a Junior Youth Group at her church when her kids were teenagers, and always made time to talk and listen. She was "Grammy" and "Grammy J" to her seven grandkids and one great-grandson- all of whom she treasured. She rarely missed a softball or baseball tournament and loved hosting "post-trick-or-treating" Halloween parties. She loved traveling to Iowa to proudly watch dance recitals, soccer games, and to celebrate birthdays. Jean loved her sons-in-law and daughter-in-law- and their families- as much as her own.


Jean was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. She served in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), helped start the SALT Bible Study, and was involved with Stephen Ministry helping those experiencing life crises. She loved her church and her church friends.


Jean worked for the Houck Agency for many years until she retired, helping countless teachers and other clients navigate health insurance claims. Her co-workers became her close friends. She found joy in helping others.


Jean was fun, funny, and one of the kindest people ever created. She always had room for one- or five- more at her table. If college students at her church were not able to travel home for a holiday, they were invited to the Heister house. She made people feel comfortable and cared for. She will be incredibly missed.

Jean is survived by her children and their spouses: Kris and Kevin Fowler of Stillwater, Jan and Chip Eames of Tulsa, and Mike and Layla Heister of Eldridge, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Anna Fowler, Will Fowler and Kendel, Tyler Eames, Taryn Gilliland and husband Cody, Malak Almotairi and Sam, Adam Heister, Zayn Heister, and great-grandson Carson Gilliland. Additionally, Jean is survived by her special cousins: Wesley Davidson and wife Wanda, Sue Jackson, and Linda Pitcovitch and husband Paul; her "church children" Shane Hoffman, Renee Flasch, and Reynell and Dwynesha Lavigne; and her bonus family Suton and Tristan Edens-- and many other beloved family members and friends. Last, but certainly not least, she is survived by her sweet rescue dog, Callie, who was her loyal and near-constant companion.


Jean and her family would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Stillwater Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, and Select Specialty Hospital in Tulsa- and a very special thank you to Pastor John Wackler of Zion Lutheran Church and wonderful friends and family who helped us all navigate a very challenging six weeks of hospitalization.


In honor of Jean, please be kind. Pay it forward. Donate your time and resources to organizations that help people. Support animal rescues. Hug your family and friends. The following are some organizations that were special to her, Zion Lutheran Church, 504 S. Knoblock, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074, Stillwater Humane Society 1710 S. Main St. Stillwater, OK. 74074 or to Meals on Wheels (Stillwater and Metro Tulsa)