Bernadine “Bernie” Heeger (Gleason) of Morning View, KY, passed away in the early morning hours of November 27, 2025, at the age of 68, tucked warmly into her bed and surrounded by those who loved her most.

Born and raised in Northern Kentucky, Bernie grew up with her parents; James and Geraldine Gleason, and her two younger brothers. A graduate of Simon Kenton High School, she first met the love of her life, Ben Heeger, in those halls. From an early age, she was a natural caregiver, looking after her brothers until they were all old enough to head out on their own adventures. She and her brother even owned matching Harley-Davidsons and cruised all over town together. A bit of a car enthusiast—she proudly owned a Camaro, and a Firebird before eventually trading them in for a family minivan as her life shifted lovingly toward motherhood.

Bernie and Ben built their home and life together in Morning View, KY. There, she tended a garden that always seemed to bloom, filling the house with fresh-cut flowers. She mastered the art of canning and had a lifelong talent for sewing, which began with making her own clothes in high school. Bernie welcomed her first son, and before he was even out of diapers, she joyfully welcomed twins. She joined a mothers-of-twins group, where she found friendship and support through first steps, sleepless nights, and teething pains. The Heegers eventually raised five children, and Bernie cherished every moment. She was selfless, warm, and endlessly kind—no guest ever entered her home without feeling welcomed, and none ever left without a plate of food in hand.

Bernie worked for many years as a hairdresser at The Hair Company, where she brought comfort and confidence to others with every haircut. Some of her most cherished friendships were formed in those barber chairs, where her gentle presence made people feel truly seen.

She especially loved Christmastime. The day after Thanksgiving, she would excitedly unpack every decoration, including a tree covered in handmade ornaments created by her children—tiny memories she treasured. Her kitchen filled with the smells of peanut butter balls and coconut bonbons, and her famous meatloaf and chicken and dumplings were beloved staples that often required a well-earned nap afterward.

Above all, Bernie loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved reading and was known to make her way through every book she owned at least once. And she had a soft spot for the Peanuts gang—Snoopy, especially, never failed to make her smile.

Bernie’s legacy is one of love, generosity, and support. She leaves behind a family who will forever be grateful for the warmth she brought into every room and every life she touched.

Surviving her is her dear husband; Ben Heeger, children; Jared Heeger, Jade Heeger, Jacob Heeger, Jaclyn (Austin) Ernest, Jayna (Dewey) Cahill, and James (Kelley) Heeger, grandchildren; Tyler, Brooke, Nathan Heeger, Blaire Ernest, and Baby boy Cahill, brothers; John (Toni) Gleason and Matt (Mary Jo) Gleason, best friends; Pam Christofield, Bob Singleton, and Brenda Bixler.

Please join her family for a gathering to honor her life on Friday, December 5, 2025. Visitation from 11:30am until the start of Funeral service at 1:30pm at the Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.

If you wish to leave a donation in Bernie’s name you may do so by visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by clicking here.