Barbara Aileen Heckard

Barbara Aileen Heckard was born September 30, 1928, to Ola Marvin and Harriet Ella (Kain) Abbott in Swink, Colorado. She passed into the loving arms of her Savior on January 14th with her family by her side. Barbara had nine Brothers and Sisters, she was the second oldest, and the oldest girl. Barbara was a proud graduate of Fowler High School. Following graduation, she worked in a local bakery where she met the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Heckard. They were married on June 1, 1947, in Rocky Ford, Colorado and celebrated over 70 years of marriage. In the winter of 1956, they moved to the family home where they lived for over 60 years. In addition, Gene and Barbara operated Heckard's Auto Repair Shop for many years. Barbara was a dedicated homemaker and especially enjoyed the time she spent babysitting their Great Granddaughter, Mahayla Waggener. Barbara and Gene were loyal members of the Evangelical Free Church in Canon City and were in the first beginner class of the Royal Gorge Pomanders Square Dance Club where they were active for many years. Barbara was also active in the

Home Extension Club, the local TOPS and KOPS chapters, Echo Theta Rho, where the girls called her grandma, Canon Canton, Waldo LEA and Salome Rebekah Lodge #7, where she served as their Secretary for over 30 years. She served as the Grand Matriarch for the state LEA in 2003-2004. Barbara served as the District Deputy President for District 21 several times. Gene and Barbara delivered Meals on Wheels for several years, often to folks younger than them.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Sharon Carstens Leonard (Kenneth): Grandchildren; William (Brandy) Heckard, April (Howard) Houghton, Andrew Heckard, Michelle Carstens and Melissa (Matt) Waggener: 7 Great Grandchildren; 3 Great Great Grandchildren; 1 Sister; 1 Brother; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her, husband, Eugene Heckard: parents: 4 Brothers: 3 Sisters: Sons; Larry and Donald Heckard: Son in Law, David Carstens: and Grandson, Timothy Heckard.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home.

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