Betty Sue Heindel, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL passed away on May 27, 2023. She was 82.
Betty was born August 19, 1940, to Sarah Elizabeth Skiles and William Walter Heinmiller. A graduate of Leesburg High School and Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Betty moved to the Jacksonville beaches area in 1963.
Betty was a lifelong active member in her church and served in numerous ministries and civic clubs. She was a church liaison and past Vice President of the Ponte Vedra Republican Women’s Club. Betty founded the Society of St. Elizabeth, as part of the Redeemer Family of Churches and Ministries, to bring the healing message of the Gospel to His people. She served as Director of Communication and Development for Christian Healing Ministries.
Betty started her career in the 1960s in the actuarial department of Prudential Insurance Company. She later turned her talent for cake baking and decorating into a second career as a cake decorator and trainer for Publix Supermarkets, retiring from Publix in the early 1990s. Betty baked all her children’s birthday and wedding cakes, as well as many of her grandchildren’s birthday cakes when possible.
Betty married the love of her life, Kenneth Arlington Heindel, on August 10, 1988. They spent 30 wonderful years together, serving their church, creating beautiful homes, traveling extensively, and loving on their large, blended family.
One constant throughout Betty’s life was her servant’s heart and love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Betty was faith in action. Her tireless devotion to her family, her church, and the causes she supported was evident in her life. Whether singing in the choir, working extra jobs to pay for her children’s activities, volunteering to make grits for Republican fundraisers, or providing safe shelter for loved ones during a season of struggle, Betty always worked, always helped, always supported, always accepted, and always loved. Her joyful, generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Betty is survived by five children: Brian (Kelly) Kelly, Tallahassee; Karen Kelly, Ponte Vedra Beach; Lynn Weinstein, Massillon, OH; Phyllis Heindel, York, PA; and Kimberly (Robert) Ricketts, Tallahassee; 10 grandchildren: Chase (Jake) Pettitt, Tallahassee; Alyssa (Gary) Robertson, St. Mary’s, GA; Caleb Williams, Ponte Vedra Beach; Patrick Kelly, Jacksonville; Steve Weinstein, Findlay, OH; David Weinstein, Massillon, OH; Molly Heindel, Weott, CA; Jonathan Heindel, Pensacola; Matt Heindel, Altoona, PA; Cory Collins, Tallahassee; Russell Lee Ricketts, Modesto, CA; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth A. Heindel, son Don “Barry” Kelly, and grandson Spencer Kelly.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m. at Redeemer Church, 190 South Roscoe Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082.
