Mrs. Christine Lee Heppe

Christine Lee Heppe, 65, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Tendercare of Traverse City in Traverse City.

Christine was born on Wednesday, August 21, 1946 to the late Leatrice M. (Taylor) and Harold Bernard Hautio. She married Melville W. Heppe on Saturday, June 18, 1966 in Harvey.

For many years, the Heppe's had made their home in Kalamazoo where Chris had been a secretary for Gull Road Elementary School. She and her husband moved to Traverse City in 1996 to be near their daughter Amy and family. Chris thoroughly enjoyed time spent in her flower gardens. She and Mel also enjoyed traveling to visit their daughter Melissa and family around the globe as her son in law serves in the U. S. Marines. She is remembered for her awesome pies and baked goods which she made sure were present at every family gathering. Most importantly, she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and family.

Chris is survived by her husband Mel; by her children, Amy (Todd) Endresen of Traverse City and Melissa (Will) Berris of Tampa, FL; by her beloved grandchildren, Sophia Berris, T. Alex Endresen, Anna Endresen, Audrey, Lillian and William Berris and her siblings, Lynn (Gary) Culver of Las Vegas, NV and Gina (Jim) Larson of Burbank, IL, along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation for Chris will begin at 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 22 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a memorial service beginning at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home. Deacon Rene Hoenscheid will officiate.

For a more lasting memorial, the family asks that monetary contributions in Chris' name be directed to the Cleveland Clinic
(9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195) who cared for her over the years.

Please share your memories, thoughts and photos of Christine with her family by way of her online tribute wall at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.