Kitty Heckenkamp

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kathryn (Kitty) Jane Heckenkamp, who left this world at the age of 97. Kitty passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 11, 2025. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kitty was born on May 27, 1928, in San Jose, California, to Stanley and Kathryn (Clough) Frazier. At the age of five, her family moved to Quincy, Illinois, where Kitty graduated from Quincy Notre Dame High School. In 1950, Kitty married the love of her life, Joseph Heckenkamp, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. In 1987, the world lost a great man when Joseph passed away, but Kitty's unwavering commitment to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became even more profound. Her heart always knew where home was—among those she loved most.

Kitty's life was a testament to the importance of family and her many friends. She devoted herself fully to raising her five children. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her later years, and her love for them knew no bounds. Kitty’s sweet and joyful spirit, her ability to listen, and talent for hosting numerous parties and celebrations for all her family and friends (with wine always present) made her a favorite of everyone she would meet.

Kitty stayed at home caring for the children and household. She was a member of the local Postal Club for nearly 60 years. In addition to spending her time with family, Kitty enjoyed watching and feeding her backyard birds and tending to her patio flowers. Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes, especially for her holiday decor. Kitty loved to partake and host parties with her famous dishes always present. She loved the Lord, and no doubt, she is an angel in Heaven and is loving seeing all those that have passed.

Kitty was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Stanley Frazier; and her beloved husband, Joseph.

She is survived by a son, Kerry James (wife, Patty) Heckenkamp of Chatham; four daughters, Kitty Jo (husband, Roger) Ramirez of Springfield, Karen June (husband, Steve) New of Colleyville, TX, Kathy Jean (husband, Monty) Sanderson of Chatham, and Kelly Joy (husband, Donnie) Marcontell of Westlake, TX; thirteen grandchildren, Maria, Libby, Rusty, Tracy, Adam, Sara, Nicole, Tyler, Travis, Brandi, Rebbecca, Carter, and Chandler; 27 great- grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, who she remained close to as family was always at the center of her world.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to WILD Canine Rescue or to the American Lung Association.