Heidi Sue Michels

Heidi Sue Michels, age 48, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 27, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love. Born and raised in Savanna, IL, Heidi attended Savanna Schools and graduated from Savanna High School with the class of 1994. Her journey through life was marked by her vibrant personality and love for her family and friends.

Heidi was a loyal employee at Invensys in Hanover, where she worked for many years. She transitioned to cleaning houses, eventually establishing her own successful cleaning business. Heidi thrived as her own boss, and her clients quickly became her friends, valuing her meticulous work and genuine care. She was known for her selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own.

A lover of the outdoors, Heidi found joy in fishing, gardening, and especially spending time on the river. She had a special talent for rescuing dying plants, often bringing them back to life with her nurturing touch. Her home was a testament to her green thumb, with one bedroom housing hundreds of plants. Her garden was her sanctuary, where she grew vegetables for pickling and canning, a hobby that brought her great pride and satisfaction. Halloween was a special time for Heidi, reflecting her love for spooky movies and books. She embraced the season with enthusiasm, creating many memories for her loved ones.

Heidi's life was deeply intertwined with her partner of 20 years, Kyle Smith. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter on the farm. Heidi's family was the center of her world, and she especially cherished her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Known for her playful spirit, Heidi loved making people smile with her goofy faces and dances, often delighting and occasionally embarrassing her children.

A celebration of Heidi's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.

Heidi will be dearly missed by her spouse, Kyle Smith, of Elizabeth; two children, Halie Michels of Hanover, and Emmit Shepard of Morrison; her mother, Ruth Hebeler of Savanna; three grandchildren, Landen, Hudson, and Mason; three siblings, Larry (Missy) Twigg of Moline, IL, Stephanie (Michael) Price of Hillsdale, IL, and Kelly Hebeler of Savanna; and many nieces and nephews. Heidi is preceded in death with her father John Hebeler, Grandpa Leslie Michels and Grandma Helen.