DEFIANCE, OHIO – Heather Colleen (MacPherson) Gerken, age 58, of Defiance, died peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounded by her husband and sons. Heather was born on August 5, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Angus "Scottie" and Joanne MacPherson. Heather was a 1987 graduate of Ayersville High School and later attended Northwest State Community College earning an associate degree in Early Childhood Development.

On June 30, 1989, in Defiance, Ohio, she married her sweetheart, Richard “Rich” Gerken, and the two began raising a family together. Heather worked for Rainbow Promise for a few years as an early childhood teacher. Then helped to open the Little Lambs Daycare at her church. Then in 2005 she opened her private in-home daycare in order to be home for her sons. She and Rich loved attending all their boys' school events together. Her boys were her greatest delight and her grandchildren, her greatest joy. After the boys grew up, Heather became a bus aide for Defiance schools, retiring in 2026. In her free time, Heather enjoyed worship music, being involved in her church, crafting, collecting hummingbirds, and over 300 nativities. She was a member of Free Christian Church of God and helped faithfully during VBS and the Journey programs. Heather's friends and family will remember her most for her devotion to her Savior, Jesus, and her love for her family. She was a beloved wife, mom, sister, grandma and friend.

Heather is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rich Gerken; children, Logan Gerken of Defiance, Ohio, Garrett Gerken of Columbus, Ohio, Mitchell (Lexey) Gerken of Broughton, Ohio, and Easton (Lauren) Gerken of Chattanooga, Tennessee; brother, Gordon (Christa) MacPherson of Maumee, Ohio, and grandchildren, Karter Gerken and Hank Gerken. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers, Angus MacPherson III and Bruce MacPherson.

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Free Christian Church of God, 20799 Ohio 15, Continental, Ohio 45831. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the church, officiated by Pastor Jimmy Fry. Family will begin receiving friends on Friday at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery Defiance, Ohio. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Thursday between 2:00-4:00 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the church or to HARC, in Heather's honor. Donation envelopes will be available at the church. For additional information and to view Heather's online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.


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