Autumn Lindsay Heyman, age 41 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

Autumn was born in Sylvania on September 25, 1981, to Cathy (Sibert) Heyman and Robert Heyman, who survive in Defiance. The family moved to the Defiance area in 1989, and Autumn graduated from St. John Lutheran School, Defiance, and Ayersville High School. She completed a Bachelor of Science degree in alternative medicine and a master's degree in public health administration at Everglades University in Florida. She also completed studies in data science at Entity Academy and was working on a Master of Business Administration degree in Nonprofit Leadership Management at Liberty University until she became ill. She was an excellent lifelong student, who loved learning and enjoyed mastering new skills. Since April of 2019, she had been the owner of and a direct support professional at Kindred Support Services, Defiance.

She was a loving elder sister to three brothers, who survive, Aaron of Defiance, Adam of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Aric of Defiance. She was guardian and primary caregiver for Aaron and devoted much love and energy to his happiness and well-being. She was also a devoted and thoughtful daughter in all things, big and small, from assuming responsibilities for Aaron's care to ordering birthday cakes for her parents in the midst of her cancer treatment. Autumn loved kayaking and hiking and belonged to two outdoor women's groups, Girls Who Hike Ohio and HikerBabes. Her dog Barrett occupied a special place in her heart and her life. They took daily walks in a local park and were inseparable companions at home. She enjoyed keeping in touch and sharing in the lives of the friends she made during college years in Florida and treasured the friends she made in Defiance. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will follow at 11:00 am at the church, with Pastor Kurt Mews officiating.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.