Tillie "Grandma" Heinle, 93, Minot, formerly of Hebron, died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, in a Minot hospital.

Tillie was born in Anamoose, to Gustave and Katherina (Doctor) Gienger on Sept. 3, 1916. She was one of eight children raised on the family farm in Lincoln Valley. Tillie earned her public school diploma in Sheridan County on Jan. 31, 1931.

Tillie was united in marriage to Alvin Heinle on Nov. 20, 1938. They made their home on a farm located near Hebron, where they farmed. This union was blessed with the birth of a son, Wallace Allen Heinle. She resided on the farm until Alvin's death on Sept. 17, 1966, when she moved into Hebron.

Tillie gained employment at Urbin's Clothing Store, working there until she moved to Minot in 1976 to be near her son, Wally, and grandchildren, Patrick, Pamela and Paul. In 1980, Tillie moved in with her son to help raise her grandchildren.

Tillie started a day-care business in the family home, where she cared for many children. Tillie remained at the family home until 2006, following the deaths of her only child, Wallace, and grandson, Patrick, three years prior.

She then lived at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living Center in Minot until the time of her death. Tillie will always be known as "grandma" to those who knew her. Her passion was children, shown in the operation of her daycare, caring for all of them as if they were her own. Tillie also took the time to care for her own great-grandchildren as well. She dedicated her entire life to children of all ages.

Grandma Tillie was a mother, grandmother, a rock, and truly an angel to all who knew her. Now we pass our Angel to the Lord in Heaven, where she will continue to care for all of God's children.

Surviving family includes: Granddaughter, Pamela Huber, Minot; Grandson, Paul (Angie) Heinle, Minot; great-grandchildren, Kyla Heinle, Wyatt Heinle, Braden Huber, Hunter, Madison, Alexis, Brooklyn, Jersey and Kalli Heinle; sisters, Carrie Heinle, Jamestown, and Katherine Helm, Beulah; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tillie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin; son, Wallace; grandson, Patrick; sister, Dena Kummer; and brothers, Gust, Jonathan, Jake and Adam Gienger.

Funeral service: Friday, Sept. 25, 2009, at 2 p.m. in First Baptist Church, Minot.

Interment: Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 1 p.m. in First Baptist Church Cemetery in Hebron.

Visitation: Today, Sept. 24, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).