Obituaries

Heather Roberta Burk passed away peacefully at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas on November 19, 2024, at the age of 82.

Heather was born in Idaho to Grace (Wilson) and C. Elmer Cantrall. She graduated from Wallace High School in Wallace, Idaho, and later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she trained as a medical laboratory technician. Heather married David Peterson, and together raised two daughters.

A lifelong lover of animals, Heather cared for a variety of animals, including horses, cows, sheep, chickens, cats, and dogs. She also opened her heart and home to foster numerous rescue animals, many of which became her beloved pets. Heather's passion for nature extended to her garden, where she grew organic vegetables and vibrant flowers.

Her compassionate nature led her to a career in massage therapy. She attended Dr. Vodder's School of Manual Lymph Drainage in Austria, where she earned certification in manual lymph drainage. Through her dedication and skill, Heather helped improve the lives of countless individuals living with lymphedema, providing them with relief of comfort.

Heather will be remembered as a strong, independent woman with a generous spirit. While she rarely asked for help herself, she was always ready to offer her time and support to those in need.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Grace Hawe and C. Elmer Cantrall; her stepparents, Howard and Dorothy Keim; and her sister, Frances Hamilton. Heather is survived by her stepsister, Julie Day; her daughters, Arlee (Steve) Friederichs and Rondie (Mark) Escamilla; and her grandchildren, Lindsey (Chris) Wantz, Michel McManigell, Maegan Escamilla, and Dylan Escamilla.