Gladys Faye Eckert Heinze

Gladys Eckert Heinze peacefully passed away on September 14, 2025, at the age of 97. Gladys was born January 12, 1928, to Charles and Ida Eckert in Courtney, Texas. Her family moved to Ballinger in 1939 and then to Miles in July 1940. There they owned and operated the Eckert Grocery Market and Food Store (currently the Ideal Food Store), along with the Eckert Dry Goods Store. Gladys graduated from Miles High School in 1945.

She married Milton Heinze in Olympia, Washington on March 29, 1946. After Milton’s discharge from the Navy, they made their home on the stock farm north of Miles where they raised four children. They shared 68 years of marriage before Milton’s passing in 2014.

Growing up her home was always filled with music, a variety of instruments, and the joyful presence of friends and family. Milton and Gladys were active members of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Miles. Gladys was involved with the children’s church and school activities, serving many years as room mother. Their home was always open for young people and large family gatherings. It seemed everyone loved to visit and stay in the country. Gladys loved to entertain crowds and see that all were having a good time. Milton and Gladys shared a love for travel, often embarking on memorable journeys together. One of their favorite traditions was attending the annual shipmates reunion, which brought together friends from across the United States in a different state each year. Their adventures also took them to the Bahamas, Victoria, British Columbia and on a tour of New England’s fall foliage. Fairness and honesty were guiding principles in Gladys’ life. Above all, her family was her greatest joy.

Gladys was predeceased by her parents, husband Milton, daughter Marilyn Ramsey, daughter-in-law Nancy Heinze, brother Roy Eckert (killed in WWII), brothers, sisters and their spouses Martin and Lillian Eckert, Violet and Rollin Davis, Clarence and Elaine Eckert, and Ruth and James Sims.

Gladys is survived by her children: Leonard Heinze, Richard Ramsey, Mark and Renae Heinze, and Brent and Shere Heinze. She is also survived by eight grandchildren who cherished their Nanaw: Matt Heinze, Kathleen Heinze, Julie Storey (Curt), Kevin Heinze (Erin), Evan Saucedo (Manny), Allison Durst (Lyle), Shane Heinze (Alex), and Cadyn Thorp (Hayden); great-grandchildren: Ellie Jo and Hudson Storey, Wyatt and Hank Heinze, Santiago and Quinn Saucedo, Cade, Easton and Alaina Durst, Ella and Ezra Heinze, and Thomas, Elijah and Micah Thorp; along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Harper Funeral Home of San Angelo on Saturday, September 20th from 5-7 pm. Graveside services will be at the Miles Cemetery on Sunday, September 21st at 2 pm with William Rosser officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.