Heather Inez VanLeeuwen

Heather Inez (O’Daniel) VanLeeuwen, 38, of Savonburg, KS, passed away unexpectedly from injuries sustained in a car accident Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born on October 1, 1986, to Mark and Liz (Davis) O’Daniel in Neodesha, KS. 

 She was a beloved wife, devoted mother. Heather graduated from Erie High School in 2005 and went on to attend Butler County Community College, earning her Associate's Degree in 2008. Her educational journey was just a chapter in her story, one that would soon intertwine beautifully with her deeply fulfilling family life.

 On May 27, 2006, Heather married the love of her life, Timothy VanLeeuwen, in a ceremony that she regarded as the best day of her life. Tim preceded her in death in 2024. Their bond was not merely that of husband and wife; they were true soulmates, united in their dreams of family, laughter, and adventure. Together, they embraced life on their farm, where the joy of parenting their two sons, Jason and Noah, became their greatest achievement.

As a stay-at-home mom, Heather devoted herself to homeschooling her children, navigating the complexities of both education and the household with a grace befitting her nurturing spirit. She loved watching her boys grow, marveling at their curiosity and energy, often sharing with them the simple joys of life, such as tending to her cherished flowers and garden. Together with Tim, she would take on new projects that included landscaping their yard and even creating a fish pond, all of which reflected her vibrant personality and love for the outdoors.

 Heather’s passion did not end with gardening; she found immense pleasure behind the wheel of her treasured 1970 Chevelle, enjoying drives that often led her back to the simple joys of family life. Her playful spirit was a beacon of happiness, and her mantra, they always said, "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all," encapsulated the essence of love and togetherness that she fostered in her home.

 She is survived by her two sons, Jason VanLeeuwen and Noah VanLeeuwen, of the home, along with her siblings Jeffery O'Daniel and Jessica O'Daniel, and sister-in-law Sherry White. Her legacy continues through her beloved nieces, Tori, Madi, Lizzi, and Sophia, as well as her nephews, Cody, Rowen, Tristen, and Alex.

 God didn’t bless Heather with girls, but she got to step in and be a second mama to Tori, Madi, and Lizzi, watching these young ladies blossom into beautiful, strong, smart women was a true blessing to Heather.

 She was preceded in death by her husband Timothy VanLeeuwen in 2024, who was her true partner in life; her grandparents, Leroy and Inez Bryan; and her grandfather, Duane O'Daniel. Though we mourn the loss of Heather, we honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who knew her. She will forever be remembered for her boundless love, nurturing spirit, and joyful laughter.

 Memorials are suggested to the Heather VanLeeuwen Memorial Fund for her boys and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home. 

 A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, Kansas, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery, rural Stark, KS. 

 Services are under the personal care of Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave, Chanute, KS. 66720.