Cari Heater, 38, of Delphi, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 9:55 AM, Wednesday, January 9 , 2019 at Franciscan Health of Lafayette.  This followed a valiant battle with  breast cancer.

On October 21 , 1980, Cari was born in Bremen. She was the precious daughter of  Thomas and Debora Thompson Mikel.  Growing up she shared her childhood with two brothers, Mason and Levi.  In 1999 she graduated from Lakeland Christian Academy in Warsaw.  She continued her education at Grace College earning a bachelor's degree in English and counseling.

Cari and Shane Heater were married on November 5 , 2011 at the Riverview Community Church of Tippecanoe.  They enjoyed seven years of life's adventures.  From their union came two beautiful children Bridget and Caleb.

Cari was a member of Mothers of Pre-Schoolers, "MOPS," and the Covenant Church where she enjoyed small group Bible studies. She was employed with Cook Medical of West Lafayette for eight years, retiring recently due to her declining health.

Paramount in Cari's life was her family.  Huge fans of Disney, Cari and Shane enjoyed many trips to Disney World.   As a proud mother, she loved and adored her children. She got a lot of  joy out of watching their antics and seeing their personalities develop . She also enjoyed reading, crocheting and doing crafts of all sorts.

Left to cherish Cari's memory are her husband, Shane Lee Heater; two children: Bridget Ann Heater and Caleb Everett Heater; her parents, Tom and Deb Mikel of Bourbon; two brothers: Mason Mikel of Bourbon, Levi and  Kendal Kosta-Mikel of Rensselaer; father and mother-in-law Larry and Kay Heater of Rochester,; grandmothers Cara Mae Thompsonand  Lois Ann Heater; a sister-in-law, Candice and Daniel "D.J." Johnston of Rochester; and a brother-in-law, John and Shanna Heater of Wabash.

Preceding Cari in death are grandparents: Charles Thompson, Everett and Arissa Mikel, Alfred Lee Heater, and Catherine and Harry John Overmyer.

An initial celebration of life will be  from 5-7 PM on Monday, January 14 , 2019 at Covenant Church, 211 Knox Dr., West Lafayette.

A celebration of the life with services honoring Cari Heater will be at 12- Noon on Tuesday, January 15 , 2019 at the Whippoorwill Community Church, 4795 N. 200 W., Rochester.  Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the service in the church.  Interment will be in the Richland Center IOOF Cemetery.

Due to allergies the family requests that no live flowers be sent and that cologne and perfume not be worn during the visitation and services. Memorials may be made to the Children of Carissa "Cari" R. Heater. E nvelopes will be available at the visitation, service and the funeral home.