Nowlen Heitzman

Nowlen Jearl Heitzman, 80, passed away peacefully at home into his eternal home of our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, August 21, 2013. He was born June 12, 1933 in El Reno, Oklahoma to Raleigh Jearl Heitzman & Zelda Gustava Pauling. His parents, older brothers Dale, Dave and sister Zelda (Sissie), farmed wheat and cotton on their 360-acre farm in El Reno. As a youngster, he loved horses, eager to spend hours on horseback for pleasure or for work. He shared stories of riding several miles with his siblings, each on horseback to school and church. He spent many weekends with his Aunt Mag and Uncle Frank Keever. He rode horseback 12 miles to their home. Uncle Frank and Dad both shared a love for horses. In 1945, his family moved and settled on a farm in Granger. The family worked their cattle and horse farm and did local harvesting of fruit, asparagus, hops, mint, wheat, and barley. Dad attended school in Granger. As a teenager, he worked for a geographical company drilling test holes for oil in Bowman, N.D. Returning to Washington, he worked as a ranch hand for Jack Shattuck of Toppenish, breaking horses and herding cattle and horses, living the cowboy lifestyle he loved. For fun, he competed in calf roping in the Toppenish Pow Wow and Rodeo. One evening at a dance in Granger, a gorgeous woman from Toppenish walked through the dance hall door, catching his eye. He grabbed her for a dance and the two became inseparable. Dad found his dream girl of beauty, tenderness, and compassion. Mom found her dream man, a rugged and handsome cowboy. Dad married Luster Christina Owens on October 24, 1952. They farmed the J Lazy H Ranch in Granger for over 60 years, growing grapes, alfalfa, and corn and raising sheep, chickens, pigs, cattle, and horses; primarily cattle and horses the past 40 years. Dad did custom hay baling and also worked for Yakima Rendering and the Ruehl and Arstein Ranch. The fondest family memories were the annual cattle round-up and branding every Memorial weekend along the Yakima River on the Satus Reservation. What simply began as a couple of days of work every year, became an annual family and friend reunion of work, fun, feasting, and lots of laughter. This event helped family and friends unite in a common effort that will forever be a happy legend of Cowboy Jearl Heitzman. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Dale, and wife of 41 years, Luster (1993). He is survived by son Raleigh (Butch) Heitzman of Granger, daughters Jodie Heitzman of Spokane and L. Cheyenne Allan (Randy) of Mabton, brother Dave Heitzman and sister Zelda (Sissie) Newman of Granger. Grandchildren Andria Villanuenva (Aaron) and Alexis Heitzman of Vancouver, Wade Heitzman (Debbie) and Jacob Heitzman of Yakima, Jennifer Ubelaker (Mike) of Yakima, and Sarah Geersten (Ben) of West Valley, UT. Great grandchildren Andre, Raphael, Megan, Dustin, Brennan, and Abigail. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins. The family extends their appreciation for all the prayers, calls, cards, and visits for Dad; and to Rev. E. L. “Bud” Dunn for bringing the knowledge of Christ’s love and His redemptive power to Dad in his final years. A heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate and excellent service provided to Dad by Dr. Norman Shively and staff, North Star Lodge and staff, Cottage In The Meadow and staff, Howard’s Medical Supply, Yakima Memorial Hospital ER staff and Yakima Memorial Hospice team: Tana, Sara, Nicole, Esther, Sherry, and Chaplain Dan. Chaplain Dan assisted Dad on his final earthly journey, affirming God’s love and a heavenly future, baptizing Dad and providing him with his first communion. Dad’s best and greatest decision occurred August 2012 when he professed his faith in Jesus as his LORD and Savior. Real cowboys can go to heaven. 2 Pet 3:9, Isaiah 30:18. A private family burial was held at the Zillah Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Dad will be held at a later date. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online tributes can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nowlen Heitzman, please visit our flower store.