SYRACUSE – Heather B. Emel, 28, of Hutchinson, Kan., and formerly of this area, died at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 10, 2011, in Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan.
She was born Feb. 22, 1983, in San Angelo, Texas, to the Rev. Mark B. and Rebecca B. Zimmerman Emel.
She graduated from Hutchinson High School in 2001 and received a bachelor’s degree in sign language interpretation from Cowley County Community College. She formerly worked at Unified School District 308 for four years as a sign language paraprofessional and at Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center, Hutchinson. She was a confirmed member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, and served as a table parent for the youth club at the church. She belonged to the Twisted Stitches Knitting Club and a local book club in Hutchinson.
Surviving are her mother and stepfather, Becky and Duane Hatfield, Hutchinson; a sister, Crystal Emel, Topeka, Kan.; two brothers, Clayton Emel, Hutchinson, and Mark Bryan (and spouse Monica) Emel, Tulsa, Okla; and grandfather, Virgil (and spouse Doris) Zimmerman, Milford. She was preceded in death by her father and grandparents.
A private graveside service will be in Milford Cemetery with the Rev. Joshua Bess M.D. officiating.
Calling is from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Owen Family Funeral Home, Syracuse.
***** Memorials may be given to the Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN; or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave. Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Condolences may be sent via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
