Claire Marie Heineman

“Find the extraordinary in the unnoticed, the beauty of life, the tenderness in each day, and the wondrous in the ordinary.” 
~ Claire Heineman

Obituary

Claire Marie Heineman, 69, of Yorktown, passed away on March 29, 2024 surrounded by her family. Claire was born on January 25, 1955 in Greenville, Kentucky to the late Charles and Dorothy (Reynolds) Neeley. After graduating from Greenville High School in 1973, she then went on to obtain her degree in radiology at the University of Kentucky. She worked at Ball Memorial Hospital for 20 years before her retirement. Claire married the love of her life, Kip Heineman, and the two were married for many years. Claire had an eye for photography and took thousands of photos throughout her lifetime. Saying this was a hobby would be an understatement, her family can now cherish her photos for years to come.


Claire will be dearly missed by her husband, Kip; daughter, Lauren Eison Leiendecker; Son-in-law, JP Leiendecker; grandchildren, Huxley Eison Leiendecker, and Rune Marigold Leiendecker; sisters, Anita Pinkston and Annie Perrino; nephews and nieces, Luke, Anthony, Katie, Will, Cody, Melissa, and Charlie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister (Kitty Tomes), and brother (John Hill Neeley).


The visitation will be from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN 46013. There will be a brief service at 3:00 PM and then visitation will resume after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Claire’s name may be gifted to Muncie Animal Rescue Fund (Muncie ARF), https://www.munciearf.com/donate-arf or mail to, ARF, 1209 W. Riggin Rd., Muncie, IN 47303.


The family would like to encourage you to either bring a written memory, story, or printed photo that reminds you of Claire or post a photo and memory on the Memory Wall below. Lauren will be constructing a book filled with all photos and memories submitted below. 

Please email the highest resolution photo possible to 
laureneisonleiendecker@gmail.com
with the subject: Memories of Claire
Thank you! 

Claire’s services have been entrusted to
Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home
515 E 53rd St
Anderson, IN 46013 
(765) 644-6658

Gallery

Memory wall

April 12, 2024

Priceless photos of Kristina that Claire took, ,,,,,a treasure. I remember well the days we would get off work at the hospital and take a drive looking for something to photograph,,,a simple act in life that brought us so much pleasure….She truly had a “gift”…actually MANY! I am so going to miss my best friend of 40 years,,,We had it all even when we had little,,,we used concrete blocks and a slab of wood on top to hold our prized possession- our turntable for our LP’s…..Music was very much a part of our life after our hard days at the hospital. We met in orientation when we both started at the same time and fortunately we sat next to each other——it was love at first sight so to speak, we just connected and remained so….Love you always,,,

Ellie Boxer

April 11, 2024

You made me complete .. will forever have you by my side . My precious sister..

Annie Perrino

April 10, 2024

Claire was the most beautiful and unselfish person I ever met. Her love for everyone and to me was so special. She will be missed by every life she touched.

Mary Ann Heineman Maple

April 8, 2024

My best playmate whenever I visited my Grandmother in Greenville, KY. Love you Claire! Hugs and prayers for Kip and Lauren. My heart aches for you both.

Jim Elder

April 4, 2024

My Aunt Claire Marie. Beautiful & talented. She leaves behind a plethora of accomplishments in her amazing art & in her love for Kip, Lauren, friends, & family. May we cherish the memories in celebrating her life.

melissa neeley thumas

April 4, 2024

My darling friend for 30 plus years. Claire was everything that is beautiful in life....Danny and I loved and adored her deeply. Our hearts are aching. Sending love and prayers to all of her precious family.

Amy Triplett

April 3, 2024

Sweet and beautiful Claire made this world a better place. I have wonderful memories growing up in the same neighborhood with the Neeley family. I remember riding bikes with Claire and her sisters in that special magical neighborhood. We grew up with all the families there watching over us. Freedom to play and enjoy life to its fullest. Our bond of love and friendship will never be broken. May God supply the strength and comfort to all Claire’s family to continue life’s journey. Hugs to her precious sisters.

Helen McSpedden Hahn

April 3, 2024

I just love this photo💕

Katie Johnson

April 3, 2024

Thinking of all the fun memories we’ve had as a family. You will be missed Aunt Claire. We love you!

Katie Johnson

April 3, 2024

I have such fond memories of the entire Neeley family. Ours was a very special neighborhood with tight knit friendships. I always loved the name Claire. It was unique-as was the one who had it. God bless and comfort her precious family.

Betty Woodson Bak

April 3, 2024

Some of my favorites on the wall to be treasured forever❤️

Ellie Boxer

April 3, 2024

I’m so sorry for your loss. I am so glad I was able to go visit the old farmhouse long ago and enjoy a peaceful afternoon looking out onto the gardens she clearly loved so much. I will always remember her as having a regal presence. I wish I still had the “Beneath the Surface” mixed CD I copied for her and Chip. Sending love to her whole family.

Elise Anderson

April 2, 2024

So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady. I’m attaching a photo of her and my mom. They were cousins. Both gone to soon ❤️

Faith Anne Mefford

April 1, 2024

My very best friend - we met , , moved in together and watched each other change and grow- what a journey. We saw Ellen together after pizza and martinis , we loved it. You came for my first and only gig. Forever grateful to you and Kip. He’s been one in a million - can’t put a price on it❤️

Ellie Boxer