Joann Lucy (Strope) Heckman, age 87, of St. Thomas, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City.  She was born in Jefferson City on July 6, 1936, daughter of the late Andrew and Anna (Suthoff) Strope.  On October 25, 1958, in St. Thomas, Joann was united in marriage to Alexander "Alex" Henry Heckman, who preceded her in death on February 16, 2017.

Joann worked for Tweedie Shoe Company and McGraw Electric and later became a homemaker once they started their family.  Joann babysat for several families and once her kids were in school, she began cleaning houses in Jefferson City.  She loved to cook, garden, and spend time with her family.  Joann was a faithful and active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

She is survived by four children, Debbie Kolb and husband Kevin of Jefferson City, Dale Heckman and wife Linda of Taos, Donna Bruemmer and husband Jeff of Jefferson City, and Darren Heckman and wife Greta of Taos; eight grandchildren, Kelsey Yahnig, Nicole Kever, Brandon Kolb, Anna Giftos, Claire Heckman, Natalie Heckman, Abbey Heckman, and Justin Bruemmer; three great-grandchildren, Vayda Yahnig, Ella Yahnig, and Rylie Kever; one step-grandson, Christopher Bruemmer; three step-great-grandchildren, Landon, Lucas, and Logan Bruemmer; two brothers, Gilbert (Hermina) Strope and James Strope; and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by three brothers, Stanley Strope, Victor Strope, and Joseph Strope.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a rosary at 3:45 p.m., on Wednesday, June 12, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, at. St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Leonard Mukiibi and Fr. Mark Porterfield officiating.  Interment will be held in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Thomas Cemetery or St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta.