Tomasita ‘Tita’ Anne Heaton, 64, of Taos

Was born in El Paso, Texas on October 21, 1956. She was moved to Taos by her parents Bill and Sammy Heaton, lifelong residents and accomplished artists of Taos, New Mexico. At age 64, Tita passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a battle with breast cancer on December 22, 2020 at 9:19pm in Portland, Oregon. Tita was a Jeweler (taught by her Best Friend and Mother, Sammy) beginning at age 11. She went on to own & operate “Heaton Art Works” on Taos Plaza for 15 years. She then became the Director of Open Space Gallery for 10 years, as well as working with Larry Martinez Jeweler for several years. Tita also spent years as the Vice President of Taos Metal Creative & Cultural Arts Guild and volunteered tirelessly throughout the art community. Her jewelry design was very innovative and inspired by all the beauty around her. She used precious & semi-precious stones with gold and silver. Her favorites to work with were turquoise and pearls. Learning the art of wire wrapping and fabrication from her Mama, she took this art to a new level creating her signature “infinity” designs, creating rings, pendants and bracelets. Each piece had a personality that would complement the person it was created for. Her engaging, warm and kind personality lent itself to her love of retail and having lifelong customers who became her friends. They knew she was able to design and create the perfect piece each time. Tita moved to Los Angeles, California in 1994 and worked her way up to being a beloved manager at McKesson Corporation in Pasadena. Tita moved to Portland, Oregon in 1998 to manage Oswego Diamond jewelry store. She soon put her stamp on the fine Jewelry she created along with other fine artists from the area and received a 2nd Place Award from the Oregon State Jewelers Association in 1999 for a stunning abalone shell, pearl, and infinity necklace design. Tita and her daughter Arolyn rebranded the store and it became “Soul Creations.” She instilled the love of Art and Design in Arolyn. She was delighted that Arolyn would carry on, not only as a third-generation jeweler but also as a fine painter and Tita also mentored an apprentice, Carol Greiwe. Clients and friends all came to experience the beauty of Soul Creations. Even after it became too difficult to maintain a retail store, she worked with her clients until the day she passed. There are not too many people who can leave an inspirational mark on this Earth like Tita did. She brought out the best in all her family and friends. Let it be said about Her that She Lives and Loves Forevermore. Tita leaves behind a treasure trove of Loved ones. Daughter Arolyn, son-in-law Paul, grandson Zane Whitney. Her siblings Dow, Edna & Bob Sturtcman and Tupper & Richard Hawley and their families along with Special close friends, Kathy, Liz, Carol, Carolyn, and Amy. Nieces Angela, Blue, Brooke, Yahshiyah, Christalyn, Sammy Anne, Jubilee, Lily and their families. Nephews, Anthony (passed) Nathaniel, John-Dow and Robb and their families. And all the Special and Dear members of Tita’s Crew, too many to name. You will all be remembered for the unending support, care and Love you gave, always. We do not say good-bye to most Precious Tita but rather just we’ll see you a little later and, in the meantime, we will try to go on sharing memories of your very special Life. Tita is now our Super Guardian Angel and Super Warrior now resting in the Arms of Our Lord.