Kathy Higgins Heister 

Kathy Heister was born September 28, 1955 in Hobbs, New Mexico, the daughter of Arnold and Betty Higgins. She passed away on October 19, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana with her children by her side. During childhood, her family lived in Hobbs, NM; Columbus, OH; and Midwest City, OK, prior to making their permanent home in Norman. While attending Norman High School, Kathy was a member of the pep club and the vocal music program, demonstrating her singing prowess by successfully auditioning for the Oklahoma All-State Choir. She was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Norman and was an active member of the youth group. Kathy graduated from Norman High School in 1973.

On the First Baptist Church senior trip, Kathy began dating the love of her life, Larry Heister. They were married a year later, on May 18, 1974. Their marriage lasted 38 years until Larry’s passing in 2012. Anyone who knew Kathy will remember her saying, “all I ever wanted to be was a mom.” She was, indeed, an amazing mother to her two children, Jake and Andrea. Always their number one supporter, Kathy spent much of her life attending sporting events, concerts, plays, and pom competitions. If her kids were involved, she was there. This included out-of-town events like Jake’s jazz band trip to Washington, D.C. and Andrea’s pom competition in San Diego. Kathy served on the PTA as Ways and Means chair, raising huge sums of money to assist her kids’ schools. She opened her home to all of her children’s friends, hosting gatherings at every opportunity. Her children often heard her friends refer to her as, “the fun mom.”

In 2012, Kathy became a Grammy upon the birth of her granddaughter, Lily, who instantly became her pride and joy. The two cherished spending time together, whether playing at the local park, going to the movies, attending the Cleveland County Fair, or, as Lily would say, “just hanging out.”

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Betty Higgins; husband, Larry Heister; sister, Cynthia Higgins; sister-in-law, Cathy Higgins; and brother, Rodney Higgins. She is survived by brother, Jeffrey Higgins of the Philippines; son, Jake and his wife, Becky, of Moore; daughter, Andrea, of New Orleans, LA; and granddaughter, Lily, of Moore.

A graveside service, under the direction of John Ireland Funeral Home, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at IOOF Cemetery in Norman, with Pastor Joe Grizzle officiating.

https://www.johnirelandfuneralhome.com/obituary/Kathleen-Heister