Ellwood (Woody) Heisey went to heaven on July 3, 2026. Woody was 90 years old.

Woody was born February 1, 1936, in Pennsylvania. He grew up on the family farm. In the summer of 1955, he headed west with friends for a summer adventure. They arrived in Downieville, California and joined a fire crew for the United States Forest Service. Thus began a career with the U.S. Forest Service that spanned 32 years, primarily serving the Tahoe National Forest. After his Forest Service retirement, he had a 10-year career continuing to serve the area he so loved with Nevada County.

Woody was preceded in death by his wife, Melba, of 55 years. He is survived by his three daughters: Melody (Bob), Jennifer (Brian), and Gail (Devin) as well as his grandchildren: Jeff (Sarah), Max (Andrea), Mallory (Jesse), Dane (Mary Beth), Valerie, Kaitlin (Matt), and Alexandra (Preston). Woody had 12 great grandchildren-all of whom loved their Papa Woody!

Nevada County was home to Woody for over 63 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. In 1974, Woody and Melba began their passion for traveling. Woody was able to visit 108 different countries, along with many traveling and hunting adventures within the United States. The family thanks the many friends that shared these experiences.

Woody invested himself in the community. Woody had a servant’s heart, he was generous with his time and talents, always able and ready to help someone with a need. Woody has left a positive, lasting impact on all he encountered. He was an active booster for Nevada Union, belonged to professional organizations that supported his career, was active at Sierra Presbyterian Church, an officer and member of the Rifle, Rod, and Gun club.

To honor a remarkable man and a life well and intentionally lived a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 2 p.m. at Sierra Presbyterian Church, 175 Ridge Road, Nevada City, CA.

The family would like to thank his long-time medical team: Dr. Jill Fitzpatrick, Dr. Ryan Smith, and the entire staff with Dr. David Campbell. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
Sierra Presbyterian Church, 175 Ridge Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
St. Jude (www.stjude.org)
Wounded Warriors Program (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org)

Woody was blessed with all that was important to him: faith, family, love, and friends.