Dolores Heger, 79, longtime Paola resident, formerly of Osawatomie, died unexpectedly Thursday, July 26, 2001, at Olathe Medical Center.

Known as Dee, she was born Sept. 12, 1921, in Hoisington, Kan., to Myron and Stephanie Buhatch Nicholson. She grew up in the Osawatomie area and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1939.

She was married to Russell Heger on Aug. 7, 1943, in Texas. They moved to Paola to make their home. He preceded her in death.

Mrs. Heger was employed at the Miami County Treasurer's office in the 1960s. She later worked at the Miami County Clinic as office manager and secretary for physicians Jack Rowlett and Rex Stanley for more than 20 years. She retired in May 1987 and worked part-time until the clinic closed in December 1997.

Others preceding her in death were her two sisters, Phyllis Crone and Jeanette Plummer.

Surviving are her two sons, David R. Heger and Bill Heger, both of Paola; and a grandson.

Graveside services were today (Monday) at the Osawatomie Cemetery under the direction of Wilson and Son Funeral Home in Paola.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.