Tammy Heinkel, 63, of Indianola passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 28, 2026 at home in Indianola.

Tammy was one of a kind. She lived life full throttle and never did much of anything halfway. She was smart, creative, adventurous, and definitely a little stubborn, but that stubbornness was also part of what made her so strong. Tammy never backed down from a challenge and was never afraid to do things her own way. She was a true free spirit who followed her heart and made her own path through life.

If Tammy wasn’t traveling, she was probably dreaming about where she could go next. She loved an adventure and traveled to nearly every corner of the country, making memories along the way. Colorado, Florida, and Arkansas were especially close to her heart. She loved seeing new places, experiencing new things, and simply enjoying the journey.

Tammy had a wonderfully creative side, too. She loved macramé and painting and had a talent for making beautiful things with her hands. She was also an amazing baker and candy maker, and her family will remember not only the delicious treats she made, but the love that went into making them. For Tammy, creating something and sharing it with the people she loved was just another way of showing she cared.

But more than anything, Tammy loved her family. Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her, and she treasured the time she had with them. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and brought her own special personality wherever she went. She was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, an adventurer, a creator, a traveler, and a woman who wasn't afraid to live life exactly as she wanted.

Tammy leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind stories, traditions, handmade treasures, favorite recipes, places traveled, and countless moments that her family will carry with them. She will be missed more than words can say, but her spirit, her stubborn determination, her creativity, and her love for her family will live on in all those who knew and loved her.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Kelly; children, Sean Ritchie, Nicole (Caleb) Pike, Sharona (Jason) Duncan, Dakota (Paige) Brown, Jacob (Ashley) Heinkel; grandchildren, Eli Clark, Arianna Carty, Aleksandr Hull, Jensen Brown; siblings, Buck (Robin) Buchholz, Randy (Barbara) Brown. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Delores (Lettington) Brown; brother, Rodney Brown.

A Celebration of life will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 12 at the Indianola Activity Center, 2204 West 2nd Ave, Indianola, IA 50125. In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Tammy may be made to John Stoddard Cancer Center in Des Moines.