Cora Lee Heckman

Cora Lee Heckman, 87, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015. Services will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2015, at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Ran Loy, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Cora Lee was born on July 10, 1927 in Lelia Lake, Texas to Lee Alonzo and Lela Muse. The family moved soon after and made Clarendon their home, where they owned and operated several family-style restaurants and cabins for travelers passing through town. She and her parents often dined with Texas Ranger Charles Goodnight and the owners of the historical JA Ranch of Palo Duro Canyon. During the time Cora Lee attended Clarendon Jr. College, she injured her ankle and could not go up the stairs while carrying her books. Along came Lowell Heckman, a handsome young soldier who had just returned home from the war, who offered to carry her books. This chance encounter led to their friendship and eventual courtship. They were truly a “match made in heaven” and Cora Lee married the love of her life in 1947. There began an incredibly loving and committed partnership of 64 years that created a wonderful home filled with love, laughter and respect; a warm and happy place that her family cherished and where everyone was welcomed. Cora Lee was blessed with a beautiful voice and studied music at Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth prior to their marriage. She shared her love of music throughout the years and could often be heard singing as she worked and played with family. She was a gifted artist who enjoyed painting. She taught lessons for many years and her students loved her. She also loved crafts, gardening, cooking and was involved in the First United Methodist Church in Pampa, Texas. Her greatest legacy is that of a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend; a woman of strength, beauty, grace and faith. Cora Lee was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell Heckman; a son Richard “Rick” Heckman; and her brother, Sid Muse. Survivors include her daughters, Cheri Rutledge and husband Bob of Grapevine, and Teresa Heckman of Pampa; her son, Rodney Heckman and wife Cathy of Sachse; four grandsons, Josh Shelton and wife Alexis, Kylar Rutledge and wife April, Hal Rutledge and wife Kelli, and Riley Heckman; and five great-grandchildren, Ty, Whitney, Kaisten, Logan and Jackson. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2015, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 1981, Pampa, TX 79066-1981 or Alzheimer's Association, 415 W. 8th Ave., Suite 300, Amarillo, TX 79101.