Alma May (Allison) Heer Hood

Alma May (Allison) Heer Hood

Alma May (Allison) Heer Hood, 92, a longtime resident of Overland Park, Kan., peacefully slipped away to be with Jesus on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Alma was born on Nov. 20, 1920, in Delphos, Ottawa County, Kan., to Everett and Maud (Barrett) Allison. She joined a half-brother Robert, a half-sister Anna, and a sister Alfa. She was followed by Vesta, Everett Jr., Paul and Ruth. She completed high school at Miltonvale Wesleyan Academy, Miltonvale, Kan., and then attended Bresee College in Hutchinson, Kan., for one year. She later took some music classes from Miltonvale Wesleyan College. It was stated in that school's 1940 annual that Alma "fills the air around her with beauty." She was also admonished by instructor Ruth Johnson to continue to sing for the Lord, which she capably did throughout her years of ministry.

Alma married Rev. Leo Andrew Heer on her parents' 25th wedding anniversary, Dec. 25, 1941, in Minneapolis, Kan. Together they ministered for the Lord in several Wesleyan Methodist churches in the Kansas conference including the following: New Hope near Concordia, Mankato, Paola, Willis, Eskridge, and Chanute, Kan.; and Red Cloud, Neb. After living and ministering in Hot Springs, South Dakota, for three years, the Heers then moved back to Kansas and ended up in Overland Park in 1980 and while continuing to work as Field Representatives of Wesleyan Indian Ministries and Brainerd Indian School. Rev. Leo Heer went home to heaven in June1983, and Alma remained in that Overland Park home until her death. On Jan. 1, 2005, she married Orville Hood in Fort Scott, Kan. They enjoyed many new experiences together and were able to travel often until recent health concerns prevented such excursions. They attended numerous camp meetings each year, including eight trips to Hobe Sound Camp in Florida. They also greatly enjoyed a trip to visit grandson Andrew Heer and his family in Anchorage, Alaska.

All through her adult life, Alma gave of her time and energy in various ways to those who needed her. The theme of her life seemed to be "faithfulness." She was a faithful homemaker, she served as a nurse's aide, and she provided capable child care on many occasions. In March 1991, Alma received special mention and was noted as "Employee of the Month" for her work in the nursery at the Indian Creek Racquet Club. The honor of "Employee of the Year" followed in 1992. She cared for others who were in their last years of life, such as her mother Maud Allison, her mother-in-law Lena Heer, her husband's aunt Anna Heer, and her sister-in-law Ila Heer. In 1993, Alma was privileged to experience the adventure of a lifetime--a missions trip to Kiev, Ukraine, and Moscow, Russia, through King's Ambassadors. She was a faithful member of the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness) and was a staunch supporter of Kansas City College and Bible School, giving of her services at every opportunity. Her work for the school included large projects such as 70 mattress covers for beds in the dormitory, new draperies for classrooms, seat back covers for 200 chairs in the gymnasium, and curtains for the windows of the 26-passenger coach and new seat coverings for the same. She mended, sewed, cleaned and worked tirelessly to bring awareness of political issues to others within her sphere of influence. She was vitally involved in the city's annual Life Chain event and worked closely with Kansans for Life to ensure that the participation of the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness) was a success. Alma also adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity she had to see them.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Maud Allison; her first husband, Leo Heer; her half-brother, Robert Hazlett; her half-sister, Anna Urhs; her sisters, Alfa Hamilton and Ruth McClure; and her brothers, Everett, Jr., and Paul Allison. She is survived by her husband Orville Hood of the home; her sister Vesta Shannon of McPherson, Kan.; her daughter Alma Jean and her husband Gary Wright of Gardner, Kan.; her son Leon and wife Linda Heer of Pittsburg, Kan.; six grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 15th great-grandchild, Leo Wright, in July of this year.

During Alma and Leo's years of travel representing Indian Missions, Alma would often send letters to her family members describing the sights and experiences she so strongly wished she could share with them. One such letter stated, "Words are too few to really describe the place we stayed at. It was a dream house - beautiful is not the word." From the life Alma lived, we know that her greatest heart's desire was that each and every one of her family and friends someday experience the joys of heaven just as she is today. "Words are too few" to really describe her surroundings - and just as before, we can be sure she is wanting all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to join her.

Alma touched so many lives with her generosity and heart for those in need.

To honor her life, a visitation is planned from 10 to 11 a.m. on June 6, and a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on that same day at the Overland Park Church of God (Holiness). It will be led by Rev. Kenneth Peterson and Alma's grandson, Rev. Andrew Heer. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel of Fort Scott, Kan.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Kansans for Life or Gideons International and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.