Barbara Josephine Hecht

Barbara graduated from Topeka high school in 1949 where she met the love of her life, Bill. Bill and Barbara were married on September 1, 1949 and resided in Topeka, Kansas the first few years of marriage. They later moved to Belleville, Illinois and raised three children Gary, Karen, & Cindy.

Barb and Bill were charter members of Faith Baptist Church of Belleville, where she served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, Patch the Pirate club captain and served in various other ministries. She enjoyed playing the piano, sewing, quilting, and painting. After Bill retired, they moved to The Villages in Lady Lake, Florida in 1998. She enjoyed playing golf, pickle ball and many of the other activities offered in The Villages. What she enjoyed most was spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children Gary Hecht, (Linda Riddle), Karen Phelps (Richard) and Cynthia Hartley. Her many grandchildren include Cammie Starr, Kim Clay, Danielle Williams, Courtney Thomas, Justin Hecht, Sarah Smith, Jacob Phelps, Derek, Bryant and Seth Hartley. Great grandchildren include Jeremy Phelps, Derrick Starr, Chelsea Bolton, Brandon Hamil, Katelyn Thovine, Katelyn Williams, Claire Smith, Genevieve Thomas, Sophia Phelps, Vivian Smith, Ellie & Addison Hecht. And last, but not least, eight great-great grandchildren.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alice Henley and her husband of 70 years William J. Hecht, as well as her siblings Bill, Greta and Lois.