Bernita A. Heckaman, age 88, of Silver Lake, passed away quietly on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 2:45 p.m. in Timbercrest Senior Living, North Manchester.

Bernita Heckaman

Born in Marion on Jan. 1, 1935, Bernita was the daughter of Thomas H. Neal and Aline (Nicewanger) Neal. She was a 1953 graduate of Wabash High School and spent several years at Playtime, where she sewed baby buggies. She also spent more than 26 years at Zimmer, working in the office and the sewing department. Her proudest professional achievement was co-operating Splendor Boats with her husband, Doyle. Bernita wore many hats at Splendor and filled in wherever she was needed.

She learned the value of hard work at an early age and helped her children to learn that same value early on. A very family-focused person, she was proud of her children, loved her grandchildren and adored her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed bowling, NASCAR (especially drivers Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott) and was a longtime member of Center United Methodist Church, Silver Lake. She also enjoyed traveling, especially by cruise ship (she had been on more than 20!) and liked games of all kinds. All of these things were made infinitely better when she could share them with her family.

Married to Doyle A. Heckaman on Nov. 28, 1968, Doyle and Bernita shared more than 48 years together before his passing on Oct. 2, 2017. She was also preceded in passing by her parents; sister, Wanda Hall; brothers: Larry Verlis and Charles Neal; and by an infant brother, Stephen Neal.

Those who survive with memories to share include five daughters, Connie (Steve) Olczak, of Vero Beach, Florida, Nila (Gary) Funk, of Greenville, Tennessee, Linda (Dave) Elliott, of Fort Wayne, Kay (Dave) Koldyke, of Hickory Corners, Michigan, and Marilyn (Trent) McDonald of Silver Lake; son, Jaime (Margaret) Heckaman; grandchildren: Kris Wiley, of Denver, Colorado, Beth (Jeff) Moreland, of Pendelton, South Carolina, Mark (Jess) Funk, of Sunnyvale, California, David (Samantha) Funk, of Charleston, South Carolina, Jillian (Dave) Moser, of Carmel, Julie (Richard) Senn, of Carmel, Matthew (Lauren) Elliott ,of Laotto, Valerie Koldyke, of Richland, Michigan, Aaron (Chelsea), of Clarkston, Michigan, Landon Koldyke, of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, Ethan (Kelsi) McDonald, of Lapel, Logan (Lakin) McDonald, of Silver Lake, Adam (Crystal) Heckaman, of Silver Lake, Amy (Darren) Parker, of Silver Lake, Andrew (Kelsey) Heckaman, of Silver Lake; and 22 beloved great-grandchildren.

Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, is entrusted with arrangements. Friends may gather there from 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 19. The funeral service will take place at Center United Methodist Church beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, with doors open at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Lake View Cemetery, Silver Lake. Memorials may be given to Center UMC, with envelopes available at the services. Written condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.