Services for Elizabeth (Bette) Rosanna Quigley Heck, 90, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mrs. Heck died Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
She was born on July 12, 1927, at the home of her maternal grandparents in Albany, Missouri. She was the daughter of Michael and Velma Thompson Quigley and grew up in their home in Gower, Missouri. Bette graduated from Gower High School in 1945 as the valedictorian of her class and recipient of the citizenship award. She entered the University of Missouri that fall on a Sears scholarship. While at MU, she received the Danforth Award as the outstanding freshman in home economics, was selected for membership in Phi Upsilon Omicron honorary fraternity and served a term as its president. Bette graduated from MU in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in home economics.
Her first job after graduating college brought her to Lawrence as the Douglas County Home Demonstration Agent for the Kansas State University Extension Service. Her job responsibilities involved providing a wide range of educational services to rural Douglas County housewives on topics such as food and nutrition, clothing, home management, child care, and family life.
It was through her work connections with the agricultural community that Bette met her future husband, Emil W. Heck, Jr. They were married on October 21, 1950, in Gower, Missouri. In March 1951, they moved into their new home in Grant Township only to evacuate by boat a few months later during the devastating floods of July. Despite the difficult start, they persevered, and Bette turned her energies to raising a family and supporting her husband’s farming operation. Bette and Emil remained in their farm home for 60 years before moving to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in 2011. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Presbyterian Manor for the attentive care of Bette and Emil during their final years.
Bette became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in 1951 and was an active participant the remainder of her life. In addition, Bette was involved in a number of community activities including La Sertoma, Oak Ridge Birthday Club, Phenix Club, Douglas County Historical Society, and performed volunteer work for ECKAN.
Bette is survived by her daughters Linda (Darrell) Bennett of Leawood, Susan (Robert) Holcomb of Lenexa, sons Michael (Elizabeth) Heck of Lawrence, Mark Heck of Leawood, a sister Donna (Bill) Baker of Lenexa, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant brother, and a sister, Meredith Ann Hair of Littleton, Colorado.
In addition to family, Bette is survived by a legion of friends and acquaintances. Skilled in the art of conversation and having a genuine interest in people, she rarely met a stranger.
The family will receive visitors at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. The family suggests memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com.
The Heck family is in our thoughts and prayers…
I remember Bette when I was a young person in 4-H. She and Emil were the ultimate “union made in heaven”. I last saw her getting into the Presbyterian Manor’s van at LMH as she was going home to the Manor. I didn’t think then that I would never see her again. I feel very blessed that I got to talk to her then. She was a very special, delightful lady. She and Emil are together again.
So sorry to hear of her passing. She always made me feel special when ever I would see her out and about. Such a special lady. Blessings and prayers to all of the family at this time of sorrow.
My deepest condolences to your family on the recent passings of both Emil and Bette. A dear friend of mine once told me that a pair of salt and pepper shakers are sometimes referred to as “The Happy Couple” – and thus they must always be passed together. I often thought of this whenever I had the joy of encountering Emil and Bette. They were perhaps the sweetest pair of salt and pepper shakers I have ever known, and their passings in such swift time is nothing short of bittersweet. Bette was a pure joy – forever curious to hear the latest news and a memory like a steel trap. Emil was her steady companion, who might offer a wink whenever Bette started conversing in her delightful way for updates. I will always remember her and Emil with a smile. May you find peace in the many warm memories of these two dutiful servants, who are surely smiling down from heaven, hand in hand.
To all the Heck family: my sympathy for your loss.
Mike, and everyone: That Bette was a corker! She was am amazing woman and I consider myself lucky to have known her. My condolences to you all, and my thanks for introducing me.
Katie Martin
Susan and family,
I always looked forward to seeing your parents at Trinity while growing up. Your parents always took the time to here about what was going on in my life. They were both great Christian’s who walked the walk and are walking with Our Lord!
We send our admiration for a life fully lived by Bette and much love to all of you!
Laura King, Charlie Hagen, Charlie and Kate King Hagen
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Heck family. My dear friend Susan what precious memories we have of the childhood days and road trips with our Mothers. A fine, sweet and compassionate lady has received her wings to Glory. She will be dearly missed. I thank God she’s at peace with the Father and her dear husband. May God continue to comfort and grant you all peace in the days and months ahead. I love ❤ you my friend.
Susan and family, We are so sorry for your loss and hope that the memories of your mother comfort you during this time.
Tammy and Dan Bruegger and family