Heidi O. South

Heidi Olivia South, 81, passed away September 27, 2023, in Bellefonte, PA.

Heidi was born May 5, 1942, in Whitehall, to Hiram B. and Joan M. Hegge. She graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School and attended UW–Madison for one year. She then came to Texas and married James R. South, March 10, 1963, in Midland. Jim passed away February 14, 1996.

Heidi worked part-time as a legal secretary for John R. Kirwan for 20 years. During those years she was also active in PTA, Girl Scouts and other activities in which her daughters were involved. In 1987, Heidi completed the Legal Assistant Program at Midland College and was employed by Leslie G. McLaughlin, Attorney, where she worked until her retirement in 2007. In 1998, she became a Certified Legal Assistant through the National Association of Legal Assistants. She was a member of NALA, the Legal Assistants Association of the Permian Basin, and the State Bar of Texas Legal Assistants Division. She served many positions as an officer and board member with LAA/PB. In 1991, Heidi was awarded Legal Assistant of the Year by West Texas Legal Services, where she volunteered at Casa de Amigos for many years. She was also honored by the Legal Assistants Division of the State Bar of Texas for her devotion to the Pro Bono Clinic at Casa de Amigos. In 1998, she was chosen Legal Assistant of the Year by LAA/PB.

Upon retirement, Heidi began attending College Classics classes at Midland College, where she continued to be active until 2023. She was a long-time member of the Classic Cloggers, a performing clogging dance group, as well as a former member of the Ballroom Dance Society of Midland. She enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Senior League at Bowlero. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe and spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren. In her spare time, she loved to play cards with a wonderful circle of friends and was an avid reader.

Heidi moved to Pennsylvania in the summer of 2023 to be closer to her daughters and their families in Pittsburgh and Bellefonte. She spent her final weeks in the home of her daughter, Jennifer (and grandson, Nik) in Bellefonte, enjoying the sunshine on the deck and watching the birds in the flower garden. She died peacefully on a beautiful fall morning.

Heidi is survived by her daughters: Jennifer South and Joanie South-Shelley; son-in-law, Curt Shelley; granddaughter, Claire Shelley; and grandson, Nikolas South. She is also survived by four sisters: Lynn Foss (Jerry), Jo Braun, Kristin Helgeson (Tom), and Jan Sikora, and one brother, Mark H. Hegge (Sue); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents; and her husband.

At her request, no funeral service will be held. Flowers and condolences may be sent to: 428 E. Lamb St., Bellefonte, PA 16823, or donations may be made to a charity of your choice.