Tyler, Texas – Virginia Ragsdale Heitzman, 81, a beloved and active member of the Tyler community for over five decades, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Tyler.
Born on January 13, 1943, in Waco, Texas, Virginia was the daughter of Thomas and Doris Ragsdale. She earned her degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and began her career as a high school English teacher in Shreveport, Louisiana, before relocating to Tyler in 1968.
On June 20, 1964, Virginia married James "Jim" Edward Heitzman, and together they built a loving family. She is survived by her husband, Jim Heitzman, and their two children: Amy Heitzman Ragsdale and her husband Andrew, and Jimmy Heitzman and his wife Laura. Virginia was also a proud grandmother to four grandchildren: Jack and Luke Heitzman, and Sarah and Caroline Ragsdale. She was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Ragsdale.
Virginia was a pillar of Marvin United Methodist Church, where she was an active member for more than 50 years. Her commitment to community extended to her involvement with the Tyler Service League and the Tyler Garden Club. Known for her passion for gardening, her skill at playing bridge, and her joy in spending time at Lake Tyler, Virginia touched many lives with her kindness, quick wit, and infectious laugh. She shared a special bond with a close group of friends, affectionately known as "The Girls," including Peggy, Jan, Betty, Lynn, Charlotte, Jean, Mary, Judy, Molly, and Marilyn.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, located at 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX 75703.
A graveside service to celebrate Virginia's life will take place on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery, 2619 S Donnybrook Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701. Reverend Gerry Giles will officiate the service. Pallbearers will include her son Jimmy Heitzman, grandsons Jack Heitzman and Luke Heitzman, along with Andrew Ragsdale, Todd Heitzman, and Ben Heitzman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either Marvin United Methodist Church, 300 W Erwin Street, Tyler, TX 75702 (online at https://marvinumc.com/), or The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Boulevard, Tyler, TX 75701 (online at https://www.hospiceofeasttexas.org/).
