Obituary of Virginia Ann Heise

Virginia Ann Petty was born on June 17, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan.   She was the only child of the late Jack “Conly” Petty and Edith (Harrison) Petty.   Virginia attended Cass High School in Detroit and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from the University of Michigan, receiving a Dental Hygiene Certificate.

Virginia married Benjamin Crossley, and they had three children, Kimberly Ann, Conly Kristen and Mark Andrew.   She worked hard from home to care for her family.   Her primary focus was making sure her children were well cared for.   Virginia loved the outdoors and staying active.   She enjoyed cross-country skiing and tending to her beautiful gardens.   She was a member of the Saginaw Garden Club and the First Presbyterian Church in Saginaw.

In 1976, Virginia married Robert J. Heise.   She had a passion for traveling, visiting many places over the years.   Some of her favorites were the Bahamas, Florence and Rome, Italy, Ireland, and England.   Virginia also loved the arts, crafting baskets, knitting, “shelling” (collecting shells), and spending time with her beloved Dalmatian, Max.   After residing in Saginaw for more than forty years, Virginia moved to Monroe in 2014 to be near her daughter.

Virginia Ann Heise, age 93, of Monroe passed away at 7:38am on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at the IHM Healthcare Center where she had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her spouse, Robert, on October 3, 2010, and her four-legged companion, Max.

To cherish her memory, Virginia leaves a son, Mark Crossley of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, two daughters, Conly Crossley (Steven Bearance) of Southgate, Michigan, and Kimberly (Thomas “Rex”) Kernohan of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She also leaves four grandchildren, Colin Kernohan, Logan Kernohan, Carly Crossley and Molly Crossley.

No public services have been planned.   Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for those who desire, are suggested to give to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, or the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, or share a photo, by visiting www.merklefs.com.