Juanita L. Miklaucic Heckes, 75, departed her earthly life July 18, 2022, after braving a long illness.
Born May 29, 1947, in Walsenburg, Colorado, Juanita was the youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Anna Miklaucic. She grew up in Lehigh, Oklahoma, and graduated from Coalgate High School, Coalgate, Oklahoma.
She married Irvin “Wes” Heckes, and they enjoyed 48 years of travel and working together in all their businesses. They enjoyed many trips in their motorhome, flying to their lake home and airplane trips to fly-ins all over the country.
Juanita was not only a good worker, but she also loved the challenges. Her first job was at age 13 working in a nursing home. Juanita worked as an accountant for several firms in Oklahoma City. Irvin and Juanita became self-employed with the ownership of several dry cleaners and laundry locations.
After selling those businesses the couple saw an opportunity in Branson, Missouri. They located there, opening a gift shop. After three years in Branson they returned to Yukon, Oklahoma, and Juanita went to work at the Hertz Data Center retiring after 22 years.
Juanita is survived by her husband, Irvin W. “Wes” Heckes; a step-son, Wade L. Heckes and wife, Tracy; their daughter, Robin J. Heckes; nephew, Paul Lee; niece, Misty Manning and husband, Marshall; sister-in-law, Vonda L. Rice and husband, Jim.
A Celebration of Life Service for Juanita will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel in Yukon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to The V Foundation for Cancer Research (14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513) or the Beecham Cemetery Association (4220 NW 143 Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73134)
Online condolences may be signed at www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Yukon, Oklahoma.
