Willamae Heckethorn's Obituary
Willamae Heckethorn, age 77 of Centerville, Iowa passed away Sunday, May 03, 2015 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
She was born in Davis County on November 5, 1937, the daughter of Loyal Clayton and Hazel (Dearborn) Garrett. Willamae graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1956. She continued her education at Indian Hills Community College, achieving a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing. Willamae was employed with the Davis County Hospital as an LPN for thirty four years. She married Henry Edward Heckethorn and to this union of marriage, two children were born, Deb and Dawn. Henry and Willamae would later divorce.
Willamae was extremely proud of the fact that she lived in Anchorage, Alaska for a couple of years in her early adult life. Yet, she resided in Davis County, Iowa for most of her life. As a resident of the Davis County area, Willamae maintained a presence in her community. She led by example in her active roles with the Lion's Club or the 18-80 Club. Willamae also made numerous friends throughout her life. Her lasting friendships with her close Bloomfield friends included weekly lunch dates, an occurrence maintained for many years. Moreover, Willamae established a group of card playing friends while residing in Davis County. Willamae and her girlfriends played cards together for many years.
She also had other hobbies that she preserved a passion for in life. Willamae enjoyed gambling, especially her routine trips to Meskwaki. She loved to shop ""as seen on the television."" Willamae also had an interest in genealogy, as well as painting and art.
Eventually, she relocated to Centerville to live near her granddaughter, Heather. While living in Centerville, Willamae was active with the Centerville 18-80 Club. Most importantly, she enjoyed the time she was able to spend with family, especially her great granddaughter, Ashlynn- Willamae's pride and joy. It should also be noted that Willamae loved her cat, George.
She is survived by her two daughters, Deb Arendt of Ottumwa, Iowa and Dawn Benjamin of Yukon, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Heather (Darrin) Benjamin-Hamilton of Centerville, Iowa, Genny Benjamin of Yukon, Oklahoma, Jeremiah (Christa Williams) Benjamin of Ottumwa, Iowa and Amanda Meeth of Ottumwa, Iowa; one great grandchild, Ashlynn Hamilton of Centerville, Iowa; and her extended Hamilton/White Families.
Willamae was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard Garrett; and one grandchild, Christopher Benjamin.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville. A visitation will be held on Friday at Lange Funeral Home, with the family present from 6-8 PM. Interment will follow in the Floris Cemetery, Floris, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to either the Centerville 18-80 Club or to the Ashlynn Hamilton Education Fund and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
May 08, 2015 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Funeral Service
May 09, 2015 10:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
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