Peggy Heckens, 72, of Burlington, Colorado and former Russell resident, died on Sunday, November 23, 2008 after a hard fought battle with cancer.  Peggy was born on February 18, 1936 in Russell, Kansas the daughter of Bill and Margaret (Reddig) Kuntszch. 

Peggy grew up and attended Russell schools and made Russell her home until the 1980’s.  It was then she moved to Burlington, Colorado to be closer to some of her family.  She enjoyed being a waitress and worked for several different restaurants over the years in Russell and Burlington.  It was only recently that she had to stop working because of her rapidly failing health.  Peggy loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending hours and hours at her favorite fishing spots.  She also enjoyed playing bingo, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Those surviving family include her daughter Sherry Martin of Burlington; sons Pat Lauber of Paradise, Larry Lauber of Great Bend, Buddy Delano of Casilse, PA, Clarence Heckens of Burlington; brothers Billy, Dennis, James, John and Kenneth Kuntszch all of Russell; sisters Norma Achason of Russell, Patsy Brown of Hays and Nancy Wallace of Russell; 18 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Ted Heckens and an infant son and infant daughter.

A graveside memorial service to celebrate Peggy’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the Bunker Hill Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Kansas.  Cremation has preceded the service and burial of Peggy’s ashes will take place immediately following the service.  Memorials may be given to the Peggy Heckens Memorial Fund.  Memorials, cards and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary * 610 N. Maple * Russell, KS  67665.  Condolences may be sent via email by going to www.pvpmortuary.com.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements.