Mary Elizabeth Heier

Mary Elizabeth (Flax) Heier, 76, of Colby, died Friday, May 22, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1949, in Colby, KS to Frank and Dorothy (Martin) Flax. Mary started grade school in Monument, KS, before transferring to Oakley, KS schools and graduating from Oakley High School in 1967.

Mary furthered her education at Fort Hays State University and received a bachelor’s degree in social work. She then started working at the Department for Children and Families, remaining there her whole career, until retirement.

On November 28, 1980, Mary was united in marriage to Larry J. Heier and to this union four children were born, Sarah, Peter, Regina and Joseph.

Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren and playing cards. She liked watching the local high school and college level baseball and softball games. Mary also had a fondness for the Kentucky Derby and all that led up to it. She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she enjoyed participating in the Queen Mary Circle. Mary also took great joy in her long-standing volunteer work and always stepped in to help out anyone who asked.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Flax and Dorothy and Wilcid Racette and her brother William Flax.

Mary is survived by her husband Larry J. Heier; children, Sarah (Alex) Toennis, Austin, TX, Peter Heier, Salina, KS, Regina (Trent) Chriestenson, Iola, KS and Joseph Heier, Manhattan, KS; grandchildren, Taylor and Elizabeth Chriestenson, and Tatum and Tenley Toennis; sister Helen (Dave) Herl; brother Steve (Diann) Racette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School and mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or to leave condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com