Ella Heckman

Ella Heckman, 90 of Wardsville passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Stonebridge Oak Tree.

She was born April 4, 1933 in Taos to the late Joseph and Roseanna (Wekenborg) Bernskoetter.  Growing up on the family farm, Ella learned the value of hardwork.  She tended the garden, spent time in the kitchen cooking, baking, canning and taught the art of embroidery.  At the age of 16, Ella worked at Tweedies and later for International Shoe factory and Interco.  

At a local dance in Osage City, Ella met her future husband, Cletus Heckman.  On August 2, 1952 they were married at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville.  They were blessed with four children, Dianne, Larry, Sandy and Donna.  In their younger years, Ella and Cletus enjoyed hosting dances in their basement.   Ella worked at Walmart and retired as a Department Manager after 21 years of service. She was a member of St. Stanislaus and the Over 50 Club.  In her free time, Ella traveled, attended Blair Oaks football games, listened to Cardinal’s baseball and would sit by the window watching the hummingbirds.  She always looked forward to her trips to the casino and loved playing BINGO.

Survivors include her children, Dianne (David) Reed of Brazito, Larry (Kelli) Heckman of Hartsburg, Sandy (Jim) Kliethermes of Wardsville and Donna Verslues of Taos, seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren and two step great great grandchildren.  Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Cletus and three brothers, Stanley (Mary) Bernskoetter, Wilber (Ethel) Bernskoetter and Eddie Bernskoetter.  

Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m.  Visitation will resume at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville on Friday beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Msgr. David Cox will officiate.  Entombment will be in the mausoleum at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Wardsville.  

Arrangements are under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home-Jefferson City.   trimblefunerals.com