Dorothy Jean Heintz, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, at Windsor Manor in Nevada, Iowa, surrounded by her family and under the care of Suncrest Hospice. She was born on October 16, 1932, in Hawarden, Iowa, and lived a long life marked by devotion to family, faith, creativity, and quiet strength.

Dorothy graduated from Oak Park Academy in Nevada in 1951. She began her working career at Donnelly Marketing in Nevada, where she met her husband, Max. On February 13, 1963, they were married in Bethany, Missouri, beginning a partnership that would remain central to her life. She later worked for 30 years in the lunchroom for the Nevada School District, serving generations of students.

At the heart of Dorothy’s life was her home and the people she loved. She enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her family, and she expressed her love in countless meaningful ways. She was a gifted seamstress and quilter, loved needlework, and found joy in writing poetry. An avid reader, she also enjoyed the outdoors and taking walks. Her artistic spirit showed in her painting and drawing of landscapes, and she was known as a great cook who especially enjoyed baking. Among her many accomplishments, Dorothy taught herself to play the piano, organ, and guitar, a reflection of her determination and lifelong curiosity.

Dorothy was also sustained by her faith. She attended Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada until moving to Windsor Manor in 2021, and that church community remained an important part of her life.

She is survived by her children, Steven Berry and his wife Marsha of Nevada, Sherri Smith and her husband James of Ankeny, and Mel Heintz and his wife Linda of Ankeny. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Cory Berry; Emily Smith and her husband Alex Miller; Ryan Heintz and his wife Haley; Samuel Heintz and his wife Allie; Brandon Smith and his wife Mikhaila Greco-Smith; Andrew Smith and his wife Savannah; and Lindsey Heintz, along with her five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her in-laws Dean Heintz, Marge Baum, Larry Heintz, and Nancy Vincent and her husband Richard.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max; her son, Jack Berry; her sister, Patricia Dick; her parents, Robert Garrett and Naomi Waterman; and her grandparents, William and Bessie Den Hartog-Garrett, who raised her and helped shape the woman she became.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street, Nevada, Iowa 50201. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Private burial will be at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada.

Dorothy will be remembered for her gentle presence, her many creative gifts, her love of music and books, and the deep care she gave to her family through the years. Her life was one of quiet beauty and enduring love, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

Memorials may be made to the Nevada Public Library in memory of Dorothy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Windsor Manor, especially Leslie Dodd, Larkin Rogers, and their entire team, as well as Suncrest Hospice, for the compassionate and excellent care they provided to Dorothy.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Dorothy and is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.