Submitted by: Dan Rich

Betty Jean Heckaman

Dec. 25, 1923 - Oct. 25, 2000

South Bend Tribune 10/26/2000

LAKEVILLE - Betty Jean Heckaman, 76 years old, residing on E. Washington Street, Lakeville, passed away at 8:10 A.M. on Wednesday, October 25, 2000, at her home. Mrs. Heckaman was born on December 25, 1923, in Lakeville, to the late Walter W. "Bob" and Lulu M. (Seese) Geyer. She has been a lifelong resident of Lakeville.

On June 8, 1947, in Lakeville, she married Herbert M. Heckaman, who survives. Along with her husband of 53 years, Herbert, survivors include three daughters, Mary (Kevin) E. Parkinson of Portland, Oregon, Sue A. (James) Halasz of Lakeville and Carol J. (Danny) McDougal of Lakeville; four grandchildren, Travis and Erin McDougal, and Hope and Glenn Halasz; and four brothers, Dale Geyer of Bremen, Russell, Harold and Loren Geyer, all of Lakeville. One sister, Zelma Geyer, and one brother, Robert Geyer, both preceded in death.

Mrs. Heckaman was an active member of the Lakeville United Methodist Church, singing in the church choir for 60 years. She was the organizer of the church Turkey Supper for 30 years and a member of the Ernestine Circle of the church. Mrs. Heckaman was a member of the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and American Legion Post 363 Auxiliary. She loved to sew and quilt. She was the Union Township Leader, as well as the St. Joseph County Quilting Leader for the 4-H Fair. Mrs. Heckaman was a graduate of the class of 1941 from Lakeville High School. She was the secretary for the Lakeville High School alumni, and was instrumental in the development of the Union-North United School Corporation. She was employed with the former Central State Bank of Lakeville for 41 years.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Saturday, October 28, 2000, at the Lakeville United Methodist Church. Rev. David Cross, pastor of the church, will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Bremen Cemetery, Bremen, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Friday, October 27, at the Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville, and one hour prior to services in the church on Saturday. Contributions in memory of Betty Jean Heckaman may be donated to the Lakeville United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Editor: Her maiden name was Betty Jean Geyer.