Dorothy Jean Heyer

Dorothy "Cookie" Jean Heyer, 81, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Lutheran Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Concordia, MO. She was born on November 30, 1943, in Sedalia, the daughter of Orville "Bud" Lee Stout and Geneva (Ford) Stout, who preceded her in death.

In December 1961, in Sedalia, she was united in marriage to Delbert Ronald Ridgeway, who preceded her in death on April 16, 2008. On May 1, 1987, in Boone County, AR, she married John Edwin Heyer, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2010.

Cookie attended Smithton School and later transferred to Smith-Cotton High School, proudly graduating with the Class of 1961. During her high school years, she was an avid athlete, lettering in both softball and volleyball, and also played baseball.

After graduation, she and Ronald started their family and raised four children. Cookie worked as a secretary for the Mayor of Sedalia and later moved to California for a period before returning to her hometown. Over the years, she held several jobs including positions at Western Electric, and as a cook for the Higginsville State School. She later served as Head Dietary Cook at both E.W. Thompson State School and State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Cookie enjoyed fishing, dancing, and playing cards. A devoted sports fan, she especially loved watching baseball and football, cheering on her beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family-her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda Russell (Andy) of Sedalia and Lisa Dunn (Marvin) of Marshall; one son, Brett Ridgeway (Robin) of Scranton, KS; two stepdaughters, Jennine Brandt-Weis (Tom) of Gainesville, FL, and Justine Neinhiser (Steve) of Kansas City; three sisters, Georgia Pedego of Sedalia, Katy Graff of Phoenix, AZ, and Jo Colvin (Gene) of Sedalia; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husbands and parents, Cookie was preceded in death by one son, Scott Ridgeway; a nephew, Eddie Colvin; and two nieces, Rebecca "Muffy" Colvin and Vonda Kerns.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Rea Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Aaron Roberts officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Sedalia.

Honorary bearers will be Gene Colvin, Jarad Dunn, Jesse Russell, Justin Russell, Hunter Ridgeway, and Steven Ridgeway.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Alzheimer's Association, in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.