Mary Lou Heckathorn

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Heckathorn, 95, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Legend at Capital Ridge after a wonderful life.

She was born April 10, 1930, in Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of C. Raymond and M. Fern (Melvin) Thompson. She was a 1948 graduate of Manhattan High School and attended Kansas State University in home economics.

Mary Lou married the love of her life, Cliff Heckathorn, July 31, 1949, seventy-six years ago in Manhattan, Kansas. They renewed their vows in 2009, celebrating with their children and grandchildren on their 60th anniversary. Cliff preceded her in death on June 7, 2016.

Mary Lou was employed by the Washburn University bookstore part-time while raising their children, then full-time as the administrative assistant to Kansas Insurance Commissioner Fletcher Bell for 14 years until retiring.

Survivors include her daughter, Karen L. (Greg) Barron of Alma, Kansas; three granddaughters, Shawnee (Will) Gunselman and daughter Sailor, Rogers, Arkansas, Cheyenne Barron (John Clark), La Grande, Oregon, and Sierra Barron (Alex), Chilly and Alice, Alma, Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ray, and sister Velma and their spouses; her husband Cliff, and son, Kevin D. Heckathorn on October 4, 2019.

Mary Lou was an active member of Countryside United Methodist Church and PEO Chapter DF and especially enjoyed socializing with family and friends, attending K-State football games, and traveling through most of the United States and to many other countries. Their favorite was a trip to the Holy Land in 1994.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 14th, 9:30am at Mount Hope Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, Ks.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ascend Hospice, Shrine Hospitals for Children, or Countryside United Methodist Church.

To share a memory of Mary Lou or leave a special message for her family, visit the guestbook below.