Wilma Jean Heckman

Wilma Jean (Wright) Heckman, 91, of Shawnee, KS, died peacefully in her home on August 18, 2026, with her son and daughter-in-law by her side.

Jean was born on January 20, 1935, on the family farm one mile north of Uniontown, KS. Her parents were Lawrence P. and Dessie (Hite) Wright. Piglets were born on the same cold winter day, and they had to be brought into their house to stay warm by the wood-burning stove.

She married Roger Heckman, of Uniontown, on May 5, 1953. They had three children, Teresa, Anita, and Kenneth. Jean worked for the Turner and Lawrence School Districts for over 30 years and was affectionately known as the “Lunch Lady.”

Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt who always put family first, ensuring everyone had exactly what they needed. She touched so many lives in so many ways, and she will always be remembered for those acts of kindness and love. She was a great seamstress and quilter, making quilts for all her family. One year alone, she made 19 quilts for Christmas gifts. Her family, and especially her grandchildren, will remember all the fun memories they made at Shorty and Grandma Jean’s home at Perry Lake: from water skiing and fishing, watching movies, Christmas and Easter egg hunts, and Halloween walks through the woods.

Surviving cancer numerous times since the 1960’s, she had a heavy cross to carry throughout her life. Jean was strong and courageous; a country girl who grew up tough. Her family loves hearing how she drove home one day, and a quail flew into her car. She reached over, broke its neck, cleaned it when she got home, and served it to Roger for supper that night.

Jean was preceded in death by Roger, her daughters, parents, and siblings: Ruth Quick, Russell Wright, William Wright, Donna Mason, and Raymond Wright. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Dolores, 8 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Thank you to the hospice nurses from Catholic Community Health for their support and loving care.

Private burial will take place in Uniontown at a later date.