Mary Ellen (Thayer) Heckman, age 90, passed away on September 28, 2024 at Lena Living Center, Lena IL. She was formerly a resident of Shannon and Freeport. She was born in Dover, Ohio, October 27, 1933, to parents William Baswell Thayer and Martha Beatrice (Carson) Thayer. She graduated from Uhrichsville High School 1952. She joined the Air Force in 1953 at the age of 19. She trained in San Antonio Texas, Lackland AFB, then to Denver Colorado Lowry AFB. She was stationed at Omaha Nebraska Offutt AFB, SAC Headquarters in 1954. Mary met Ronald Eugene Heckman (also in the Air Force) when they were stationed in Omaha Nebraska. She married Ronald Eugene Heckman on September 8, 1955, at the First Brethren Church in Lanark IL. They honeymooned at Lake Genevia Wisconsin. She was a Certified Nursing Assistant, retiring in 2003. Through her lifetime she also worked at Northwest Eye Care, and Micro Switch. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, IL, and a member of the American Legion in Shannon IL. She participated as an election judge and volunteered for the American Heart Association. She Volunteered at Freeport Health Network for 13 years.

Survivors: Husband Ronald Eugene Heckman, her children: Bonnie (Bill) Foust, Teresa (Gary) Greenfield, Terry (Marvin) Hixson, Steve (Sharla Thompson) Heckman, and Tracy (Sigurd) Rognstad, 15 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, brother-in-law John (Donna) Heckman, sister-in-law Patsy (Jerry) Witt, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Martha (Carson) Thayer, Granddaughter Mallory Ann Greenfield, Grandson Joshua John Zannis, son-in-law Sigurd Rognstad; her siblings: sisters Billie (Lefty) Kaiser, Adeline (Lou) Jarmoliwiczy, Madge (Elvis) Renn, Martha (Bill) Morehead, Jean (Wilbur) Baker, and Joanna (Bill) Peacher; brothers: Archibald (June) Thayer, Walter (Joanne) Thayer, Jackie Thayer, George (Dianne) Thayer, William (Jane)Thayer, and Cecil (Janet) Thayer; and in-laws: Phyllis & Fred Miller, and Donald & Barb Heckman.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday October 5, 2024 at 11 AM, with visitation from 9 AM until time of service, at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home, 111 N. High St. in Lanark, IL. 61046. Burial is at the Lanark City Cemetery in Lanark IL.

Mary loved and enjoyed spending time with her family. She like to embroider, read books, and take walks. Mary and Ron loved to travel throughout the United States visiting national parks, historical sites, and family. A memorial has been established in her name.

The family would like to express their appreciation to The Lena Living Center and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care, love, and support for Mary and her family