Mary Lee Miracle, a longtime member of the Western Slope community with family ties in Colorado and a history of local engagement, will be remembered at a Celebration of Life in Rifle. The service is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM, and will take place at the Grand River Care Center in Rifle, Colorado.
Miracle was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to John A. and Mary (Honey) Heuschkel. She later graduated from high school in Silverton, Oregon. Over the course of her professional life, Miracle held various roles, demonstrating a range of skills and a commitment to serving her community. Her early career included work as an LPN, providing nursing care. She also operated as a daycare provider, caring for children in her community. Later, she engaged in custom cake decorating, a field that allowed for creative expression.
Her professional journey culminated as the owner and operator of Draperies by Mary. In this venture, Miracle was able to fully utilize her artistic talents, expressing her “exceptional, artistic, and creative sewing skills” to serve clients. This business became a significant part of her career, highlighting her craftsmanship and dedication.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Miracle had a variety of personal interests and passions. She found joy in the simple beauty of butterflies and engaged in card games and bingo with friends and family. Her hobbies also included counted cross stitch and jigsaw puzzles, which showcased her attention to detail and patience. She also enjoyed watching shapes in the clouds, a reflective pastime. Miracle particularly cherished time spent with her family and friends, cultivating those relationships throughout her life. In recent years, she was an active participant in community life, spending time at the Rifle Senior Center and her church, as well as the Grand River Care Center.
Mary Lee Miracle was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Mary (Honey) Heuschkel. She also mourned the passing of her three husbands: William Larson, Gary Baca, and JP Miracle. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth Warren, who resides in Oregon, and LeAnna Baca, who lives in Colorado. Her legacy also includes five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Miracle is also survived by her brothers, Bill Heuschkel of Michigan and Frank Heuschkel of Washington. Her sisters, Roberta Botkin of Colorado, Judith Masse of Oregon, and Carolyn Heuschkel of Oregon, also continue her memory.