In loving memory of
D. Alberta Lees
April 23, 1921 - October 8, 2017
Alberta Heckman-Lees, 96 of Anita, IA, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center, IA, after gradually declining in health and went to be with her Lord.
Alberta was born April 23, 1921, at Adel, IA, the daughter of Noah and Ida (Scott) Nance. She attended and graduated from Linden High School in 1939.
Alberta was united in marriage to Donald Wesley Heckman, September 16, 1944, at Indianola, IA. They made their home by the Panther Store, north of Adel, IA. In March of 1949, they moved to the family farm east of Anita. Don and Alberta farmed there until 1966, when they built and moved into their home in Anita.
Alberta raised three daughters doing the normal and not so normal mother things. Alberta had worked at Anthony's in Atlantic, seasonal at Earl May in Atlantic, at the Anita Locker and as a cook for the Senior Meal Site in Anita. She took time to travel with her husband, Don, to 47 states in their pickup camper, spending winters near Mission, TX. They both loved the serenity of fishing.
After Don's passing, she traveled by herself, buying a small motor home, using it to go the Iowa Senior games many times, many County Music events, and to many locations in Iowa to fish.
Alberta was full of life, very active in many of Anita's local organizations, some she had listed on the back of an envelope (we use what we have - before recycling), including the American Legion Auxiliary, Panther Creek Ladies Aid, Jolly Dozen Club, Pythian Sisters, Past Presidents Club, PTA, PTA President, KJU club at church, Sunday School teacher, 4-H leader, Farm Bureau Ladies Club, Cass County Tourism Club, Election Worker, Trail Duster Club and Board. She patriotically served the 7th District American Legion Auxiliary as secretary, historian and then president serving from 1986-1987. Alberta, loved to help at the annual Anita Halloween Party for the kids, especially helping judge the costumes. Alberta worked taking the Census in 1959 and 2000.
Alberta traveled to the National Senior Games in Syracuse, NY in 1991, and San Antonio, TX in 1995, where she competed in the shot put throw and on the Softball team.
Alberta was a very caring, giving person, often crocheting or quilting a gift for someone special. Alberta left many quilts for her daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughter and great-grandsons to enjoy. Rarely did grandchildren leave without some trinket or thoughtful gift. She had many friends and enjoyed spending time visiting her family and friends.
On December 30, 1986, she married Phil "Demps" Lee in their home in Anita. They both enjoyed visiting family, friends, and fishing.
Once she moved to the New Homestead, Alberta enjoyed the many activities and outings to Casinos, lunches at restaurants, community potlucks and the truly professional, talented, loving compassionate NH staff that gave her love, companionship, and great care for over 6 years.
Alberta was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Don Heckman, October 10, 1981; her second husband, Demps, April 8, 1987; a daughter, Dorothy Mae Heckman, March 25, 1966; brothers, Hearchel (Mabel) Nance, Leonard (Mildred) Nance and Charles Nance; sisters, Velma (Leland) House, Pearl (Edward) Wilson and Ola (Charles) Horney; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lester (Bernice) Heckman, Clifford (Norene) Heckman, Iris (Thomas) Bailey, Bill (Ruby) Heckman, Wilbur (Beatrice) Heckman and Robert Heckman.
Alberta is survived by her daughters, Donna (Larry) Sheeder of Adair, IA, and Delores (Donald) Hines of Mountain Home, AR; four grandchildren, Donna Sue Vorrath (Tim Sewell) of Osage WY, Sharon Aupperle of Adair, IA, Ron (Christy) Hines of Huron, SD, and Charles Hines of Huron, SD; five great-grandchildren, Tom (Yessenia) Vorrath of Littlerock, CA, Rob Vorrath of Waterloo, IA, Stephen Sheeder of Anita, IA, Morgan (Quinn) Hesterlee of Spring Creek, NV, and Samantha Hines of Omaha, NE; four great-great-grandchildren, Yesselee, Zenlee, Xenialee Vorrath and Avery Hesterlee, sister-in-law, Norma Heckman.
Visitation with family will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service starting at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Anita Congregational United Church of Christ in Anita, IA, with burial of ashes in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA at 1:00 p.m.
Memorials may be left to the family's wishes to be designated at a later date.
To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.hockenberryfamilycare.com/obituary/dora-alberta-lees