Elaine Campbell Heckler

Elaine Campbell Heckler, 72, of Coal Center (Clover Hill), passed away Sunday, November 08, 2009 at her home after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 5, 1937 in East Pike Run Township, a daughter of the late Merrill Graham and Clara Mae Bayer Campbell.

Mrs. Heckler was a 1955 graduate of California High School and a 1961 graduated of the California State Teacher's College. She was the former secretary of the college alumni.

For 26 years, she taught elementary school at the Washington School District, retiring in 1989.

A devoted and active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Coal Center, she had served as a Sunday school and Bible School superintendent, president of the United Methodist Women and chairman of the church council. She also delivered meals on wheels for the church.

She was a member of the Red Hats, Washington County Association of School Retirees, Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, PASER and NEA.

On November 9, 1957 at the California United Methodist Church, she married William F. Heckler, Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Barbara Pappas of Clover Hill; a son, William F. Heckler, Jr. (Renee) of Belle Vernon; five grandchildren, PJ Pappas (Paula), Natalie and Nicole Pappas, Mathew and Kaytlin Heckler; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jordan and Brianna Pappas; sisters, Ina Mae Wilson of Warren, Michigan, Mary Palmer (Daniel) of Richboro, Penna. and Paula Gahres (Edward) of Cleona, Penna.; sister-in-law, Esther King (Thomas) of Franklin; tow step-brothers, Kent Neil of California and Scott Neil of Alliance; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are two infant sisters, Susan Elizabeth and Marla Jean Campbell and her step-mother, Mariem Neil Campbell.

Friends welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home, Inc., 809 Main Street, Bentleyville (724-239-2255) and from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of service, Thursday, November 12, 2009, at the Grace United Methodist Church, Coal Center, with Senior Pastor Dr. John K. Smith and Associate Pastor Randy Landman, officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Creek Cemetery. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent at www.thompson-marodi.com.

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To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Campbell Heckler, please visit our floral store.