Helen Dee Heinen

Helen Dee Heinen, 91, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at John Knox Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Born on August 25, 1934, in Moniteau County, Helen was the daughter of the late Edward and Irene (Springer) Sappington. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald W. Heinen, who passed away on November 5, 2011, and her sister Emma Frances Althoff who passed away June 27, 2024.

A dedicated professional, Helen worked for Moniteau County Family Services and the California Manufacturing Co. before retiring from the Missouri House of Representatives in 1997. She was a lifelong learner who attended Harmony and Pluck Grade Schools and graduated from California High School in 1952.

Helen was a devoted member of the Annunciation Catholic Church, where she participated in the Altar and Rosary Sodality. Her commitment to her community was further evidenced through her involvement with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary 4345, California Progress, and the Friends of the Library.

She is survived by her three daughters; Gloria Heinen of California, MO; Tammy Brown and her husband, William, of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Donna Heinen and her wife Brenda Bailey of Columbia, MO. Helen was a devoted Mema to two grandchildren, Zachary Brown and his wife, Megan, of Greenwood, MO, and Brittany (Brown) Lemanowicz and her husband Daniel of Lee’s Summit, MO; three great-grandchildren, Sadie and Levi Brown, and Olivia LouAnne Lemanowicz.

The rosary will be led by the St. Andrew’s School children beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Annunciation Catholic Church in California, Missouri. Visitation will follow the rosary until 11 a.m., with the Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Anthony “Tony” Rinaldo.

Burial will be in Annunciation Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Annunciation Catholic Church Cemetery Fund or The Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com