Heather Chance

Heather Gail Chance, 45, of Grand Mound, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 7, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis-East, surrounded by her family, following a brief but profound illness.

Schultz Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th, at the Grand Mound Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

Heather was born October 29, 1980, in Davenport, Iowa, the daughter of Lorri Thompson. She graduated from DeWitt Central High School in 1999 and later earned an Associate’s Degree in Communication from Kirkwood Community College in 2002. She married Richard Chance on July 22, 2006, becoming an instant mom to Amanda and Zachary, and they were further blessed with a son together, Diedrick. Heather worked as a Customer Service Manager with State Farm, a position she held since 2010. She ran her own event/wedding planning business, Beginnings by Chance, from 2006 to 2019, bringing joy and careful attention to many couples during important moments in their lives. Heather also co-owned AJ’s Bar and Grill in Grand Mound. She never stopped running.

Heather was deeply involved in the Grand Mound community. She was a member of the Grand Mound Community Club and served as its treasurer and president. She helped organize and supported many community events including Boo Bash, Kids Day, the Veterans Annual Dinner, and many other events. Heather was also a member of the Grand Mound Sportsman Club, the Grand Mound Ball Club, and the Pink Ladies Dart Club.

Heather had an unwavering love for her family, and they came first in her life. She loved going to bingo with her mom and aunts. Heather especially loved hosting the annual Chance family Fourth of July party and spending time with family at their camp along the Wapsipinicon River, always bringing more food than could possibly be eaten. Heather also enjoyed time with friends, and was often the one planning gatherings that brought people together. She enjoyed playing darts and cards with friends.

Heather is survived by her husband, Rich Chance; son, Diedrick A. Chance; stepchildren, Amanda Chance, and Zachery Chance,; a grandson, Ryker Chance; her parents, Lorri and Jerry Thompson; grandmother, Hazel Thompson; aunts, Rose Gile and Cindy (Pat) Jansen; uncles, Michael (Susan) Hamilton, and James (Jennifer) Thompson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dick and Sandra Chance; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James A. and Grace “Gail” Myers, and uncles, Steven Myers and Raymond Hamilton.

Heather lived with a spirit of generosity and connection, and believed in celebrating life. She always put others first, and excelled in the face of challenge. Her kindness, laughter, and deep love for her family, friends, and community will be remembered always. And the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com