Esther Louise Heckman

Esther Louise (Beigh) Heckman, 88, of Winona Lake, Indiana, died on 12/20/2009 at 12:55 am at Grace Village Healthcare Center, Winona Lake, Indi. She was born on August 30, 1921 in Clay Twp. Indiana. She was very proud of her parents, Elsa Cauffman Beigh who was a school teacher in a one room schoolhouse. Her father, Lawrence Beigh, also taught school and served as a trustee of schools, as well as being a farmer. One of Esthers fond childhood memories was of bottle feeding the newborn lambs. She graduated from Claypool High School and then soon married her husband of 59 years, Donald Heckman. They were married on September 23, 1939 in Kosciusko County. He preceded her in death on January 11, 1999. Esther was a dairy farmers wife. She assisted in driving the tractor and milking the cows. She was famous for her hay-hand treats of hamburgers and chocolate malts. After their daughters were married and the cows were sold, Esther went to work in the Kosciusko County Treasures Office, assisting during their busy tax season. She was often humorously called the “tax collector” in our family. Esther and her husband Donnie were faithful members of the Claypool United Methodist Church. Much of their social activities revolved around their many dear church friends. Their Sunday school class was very large and they had great picnics and parties as well as weekly bible studies. Esther served as pianist for their church and also played for the Claypool Men's EUB Quartet which consisted of Neal Cauffman, Dale Cauffman, Dale Sittler and her husband Donnie. She also accompanied her daughters when they sang. After Esther helped her husbands fight with cancer, she moved into Grace Village independent living, then to assisted living and then into healthcare. While she was feeling well, she really enjoyed a good euchre card game. She made many friends and then was often called upon to play cards with a group. She is survived by her daughters, Lois (and spouse Jerry)Johnson, Claypool and Barbara (and spouse David)Shively, Etna Green. Her grandsons; Mike (and spouse Melissa) Johnson, Mark(and spouse Sandy) Johnson, Jim(and spouse Debbie)Shively and Tim(and spouse Lori)Shively and her great grandchildren;Nick Johnson, Jacob Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Logan Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Zak Shively, Cody Shively, Lucas Shively, Sam Shively, Cameron Shively and Cole Shively. Pastor Evelyn Taylor-Haney will be conducting the service. Services will be held at Claypool United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:00am. Calling hours will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery - Claypool, IN. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel - Warsaw is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to theClaypool United Methodist Church302 East Section StreetClaypool, Indiana 46510