Ruth Heffer: Founder of iconic wildlife park ‘Maru’ remembered for profound impact

Grantville is mourning the woman responsible for establishing its renowned animal park and rebuilding it twice after it was reduced to ashes.

Grantville is mourning a grandmother, friend, foster parent, volunteer, Lifeline counsellor and — importantly — the woman responsible for establishing the renowned animal park and rebuilding it twice when it was reduced to ashes.

Ruth Heffer, 96, died from natural causes on Saturday, July 9.

Born in Shepparton, she was the founder of Maru Koala and Animal Park, originally Maru Crafts, with her late husband George in 1974.

The pair met at a dance in the 1940s and George would remain the love of her life until he died in 1997.

Together they sold hand crafted ceramics from markets before George and Ruth moved to Frankston and bought an uncleared bush-block of land in Grantville to retire on.

That parcel of land would become the five hectare animal sanctuary it is today after the husband and wife slowly started adding animals to their family and Maru Craft began trading from their Grantville property in 1983.

According to his children, George was fond of all the animals in the park but there was a particular wombat who followed him around. Charlie the cockatoo (who still lives at Maru) was also known for perching on George’s shoulder or greeting guests in the shop.

In 1990 George and Ruth’s son Ian saw potential for Maru and developed it into a much larger business. It was expanded to include an eating and retail area along with an Australian themed mini golf course which in 2006 was redeveloped with a pirate theme including a pirate ship and life-size pirate figures.

Maru has endured two fires, with Ruth rebuilding after each one.

The first was in 1994 and was started by an electrical fault.

The community rallied and they were up and running again in three weeks.

A major fire later destroyed the buildings on January 3.

Maru continued to trade from temporary buildings, and in August 2011 a brand-new building was opened.

It included a souvenir area and a large commercial kitchen which catered for the Homestead Bistro, with a dining area that looks out over the animal park.

Ruth loved Maru and even after her retirement and the second fire she continued to visit.

Those closest to Ruth say she lived for her family.

In a statement issued by Maru, run by Ruth and George’s son Ian, Ruth was described as a “special lady” and people from all over the world offered their condolences.

“She touched everyone she met with her friendly nature, smiling face and humble manner. She will be sadly missed by all,” a spokesman said.

Ruth Heffer feeds some of the deer at Maru Park.

Friend and manager at Maru, Robyn Jennings, said she would miss their cups of tea and chats.

“She was just a warm, friendly person,” she said.

“She just loved life.”

Hundreds have also taken to social media to express their sadness.

One friend wrote: “Thank you for your love and kindness of animals and for establishing the Maru Koala & Animal Park. The world would be a much kinder place for animals if everyone were just a little like you”.

Another wrote: “Ruth was a beautiful caring lady. It was always a pleasure to catch up with her.”

Ruth was a “pillar” of the community, according to Ruth’s daughter-in-law Neroli Heffer.

“She had been a member of most community groups during her time at Grantville,” she said.

Ruth was a volunteer with Legacy, a foster career to eight children and a Lifeline counsellor. She also was a member of Probus.

Details of her funeral will be announced soon.