Cathy Heaps-Stetson

Cathy Heaps-Stetson, 76 years of age, died peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Vitas Hospice in Citrus County. 

Cathy was born July 2, 1949, in Eldora, Iowa to Wendell and LuAnn (Kallem) Clark. She was the oldest of three and was spoiled by her Grandma Mae and Grandpa Ed. She drove a tractor at the age of 8 and continued farm work until she left home at the age of 17. 

Cathy’s life was punctuated by hard work and caring for others. Cathy held a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and spent most of her career providing support to people and families in need – first as an Assisted Living Administrator then as a counselor to victims of rape and ultimately as a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. Understanding and validating the trauma and grief everyone experiences was her life’s mission. In her later years she was professionally fulfilled by running a grief group at her church and providing online counseling services during the pandemic and after. 

Cathy was an avid football fan cheering for the Florida Gators, Chicago Bears, North Carolina Tar Heels, and Kansas City Chiefs. She would also cheer for the Chicago White Sox and Fran’s teams, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox so long as they weren’t playing against her teams. She enjoyed watching the Triple Crown, first with her Grandpa Ed, and then throughout the rest of her life. 

Cathy is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Fran Stetson; her children: Diane (Rob) Houston of Colorado Springs, Mandy Heaps (Rob Vera) of Oklahoma City, Thomas (Devonne) Heaps of Palmetto, Nick (Laurie) Stetson of Ocala, four grandchildren: Tyler, Sydney, Andy and Faye; one great-granddaughter: Danielle; her brother, Bruce (Diane) Clark, her sister Cindy Clark Keller, and numerous nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Roger, and 2 infant brothers. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Hernando, FL on Wednesday, March 11th at 11:00 a.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts and tropical attire – Cathy would love it. Memorial donations may be directed to Vitas or a hospice service in your area.