Ruth Heckathorn

Ruth N. Heckathorn, 59, of Springfield, Ill., died Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005, at her home.

She was born March 16, 1946, in Freeport, Ill., daughter of Fred and Anna Young Heckathorn.

Ms. Heckathorn was a freelance technical writer and also developed software training at the Department of Public Aid and was a consultant for Ciber Inc. She owned Spectrum Communications from 1984 to 1987.

She served as press officer and manager of Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 1980 to 1984, and was the features department and education reporter/writer and acting manager for the Decatur Herald and Review.

Ms. Heckathorn was a member of Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Church, Illinois Audubon Society, and served as a board member of the local audubon society.

She graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of arts degree, and received her master's degree in communications from Kansas State University. Ms. Heckathorn was a member of American Association of University Women, Springfield Roadrunners Club, and ran in Abe's Amble.

Survivors include two sisters, Esther (Myron) Bohnert of Jackson, Mary Savoy of Cape Girardeau; a niece, Marjorie Savoy of Cape Girardeau; a nephew, Aaron Bohnert of Jackson; friends, Judith and Robert Kendall of Gainesville, Fla., and Rena Bailey of Springfield.

Cremation rites were accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Church, with Martin Woulfe officiating.

Memorials may be made to Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Church, 745 Woodside Road, Springfield, Ill., 62711, or the Illinois Aubudon Society.

Staab Polk Memorial Home in Chatham, Ill., is serving the Heckathorn family.