Lisa Eller

Loving, joyous, and kind, Lisa Eller lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Lisa led with her heart in all things, enveloping others in warmth and showering them with generosity. Radiant and friendly, Lisa embraced each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Lisa always said that she and her family had a love of people. A longtime member of ResLife Church in Grandville, Lisa's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, teacher, and friend, Lisa inspired all who were blessed to know her. Though our days with her were far too few, each moment we shared with her is a gift we will long treasure.

Born on February 1, 1968, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Lisa was the oldest child of Dawayne and Jean Heath. She grew up in Portage, Michigan, with her brother Kevin, who was three years younger. Lisa has fond memories of attending her father's softball tournaments with her family and cheering for her dad.

After graduating from Portage Central in 1986, Lisa began studying Education at Western Michigan University. Before earning her degree, she met and married Tim Eller. The couple married on August 13, 1993. Although the wedding was scheduled to take place outdoors, due to the rain, the ceremony took place in the basement of her parents' home, in front of their fireplace. They honeymooned in South Haven, Michigan, where they enjoyed dining at Clementine's Bar, a place their children also came to enjoy.

The newlyweds made their first home in Wyoming, Michigan, where they welcomed their daughter Brittni a few years later. Upon becoming a mother, Lisa stopped attending school to care for her family. Four years later her son, Brock, was born. In time, Lisa and Tim began building a home just three miles from their first home. They welcomed their son Bryce shortly after completing their new home. Lisa loved reading and Christmas. She shared her love of reading with her children and always made Christmas feel magical, like it was the very first Christmas.

Outgoing and an enthusiastic, lifelong learner, Lisa was both a caring mom who always did her best for her kids and a person who enjoyed caring for all the children in her life. For thirteen years, she and her friend ran a daycare from her home. Once her children were older, she returned to Western Michigan University to complete her degree in Education and graduated while still raising a family.

Lisa furthered her studies at Grand Valley State University, where she completed a master's degree. She began her teaching career as a paraprofessional at Vanguard Charter Academy. She then taught 8th grade English and later became the the dean of the middle school. Following her time at Vanguard, Lisa began working for the Grand Rapids Fire Department's fire prevention unit as their Public Education Specialist, where she was responsible for scheduling and organizing fire prevention education for forty-four second-grade classes throughout Grand Rapids.

Family was always very important to Lisa. When her children were young, they would take their boat to Duncan and Silver Lakes. She loved being near and on the water and always wanted to be close to the lake. She and Tim were able to make her dream come true when they purchased their lake house on Barlow Lake in Middleville, Michigan. The family also enjoyed traveling. They had a timeshare, and they would commonly go to Tennessee and Florida over spring break or Christmas break. While in Florida, they enjoyed visiting Disney, Gatorland, and Universal Studios. Lisa and Tim traveled to Hawaii to celebrate her parents' 25th wedding anniversary; a once in a lifetime trip they continue to retell stories of to their children.

Sadly, in February 2024, Lisa was diagnosed with cancer. With signature resolve and fortitude, she kept working while undergoing treatment. Despite the difficulties of treatment, she continued to have a smile on her face and brought joy to those around her. Lisa died in the comfort of her home, overlooking the lake she loved so dearly.

Lisa Jean Eller (Heath) of Middleville, MI, passed away in her home with her family by her side on Sunday, June 1, 2025, after a courageous battle against ovarian and endometrial cancer. Lisa is preceded in death by her mother, Jean Heath. Lisa is survived by her husband, Timothy Wayne Eller; her daughter, Dr. Brittni Jean Eller and son-in-law, Daniel Loughran; and sons, Brock Timothy and Bryce Dawayne Eller. Also surviving are her father, Dawayne Heath; brother, Kevin (Missy) Heath, as well as her nieces and nephews.

A service to remember Lisa's life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 5 – 8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, as well as one hour prior to the service at church, on Friday, June 6. Memorial contributions in Lisa's name may be made to the Grand Rapids Fire Department Fire Prevention Foundation. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com