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In Memory Of
Dolly Heiland
1923 2024

Dolly Heiland

October 13, 1923 — January 12, 2024

Dolly A. Heiland (DeGraff) passed away at the age of 100 on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, Kansas.

Dolly was born in Rossville, KS at home to Charles E. and Alice C. (Stum) DeGraff, one of 8 girls and 5 boys. She was born on October 13, 1923 along with her twin, Doris Mohler.

She attended Willard, Rossville, and Silver Lake schools, where she and Doris played basketball and were affectionately called Pete and Repeat.

On March 18, 1946 she married Harley D. Heiland. Together they shared over 50 years of marriage until his death on July 30, 1996. Together they raised their two children, Kenneth L. and Sandra K.

Dolly spent her entire life on the farm where she worked alongside Harley. Together they also gardened and canned all that of which they didn't give away. The spent time traveling over the years. The American Legion was one of the places they enjoyed going for Saturday night dances.

She enjoyed crocheting and many people probably have an afghan or two that she gave as gifts or won at raffles. She was also knowns for her famous banana bread and cinnamon rolls. She would bake for those in her community.

Dolly was a sports enthusiast, her favorite teams being K-State, KC Chiefs and the KC Royals. She also loved going to the casino and playing the slots.

Most of all she enjoyed getting together with the locals for coffee in the morning at the Swirly Top and then Wehners. She was well known for her "independent nature and spunkiness". Rossville was her town and she loved the people in it.

Harley and Dolly were associate members of Jimmie Lillard Post Post No. 31 in Rossville, KS. She was a tribal member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Dolly is survived by her son, Kenneth L. Heiland and his wife Mary Ann of Duncanville, TX; sister Bonnie Thomas of Silver Lake; grandchildren, Jamie D. Heiland and Brian D. Heiland both of Duncanville, TX, Lonnie Dekat, Dolly Dekat, Joni Pflagler, Roy Jepson and Larry Jepson all from Wisconsin; several great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; 5 brothers and 6 sisters; husband, Harley; daughter, Sandra K. Fisa (2022) and grandson, Kevin L. Heiland (2003).

Dolly was loved very much by her family and friends and will be missed dearly by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Interim Healthcare of Topeka, 1251 SW Arrowhead Rd Suite 103, Topeka, KS 66604 or to a charitable organization of your choice.

The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Parker-Price 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS. Private burial will take place at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, Kansas.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dolly Heiland, please visit our flower store.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

11:00am - 1:00 pm (Central time)

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