Virginia A. Heckler

Virginia A. Heckler, 95, a cherished longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on November 10, 1929, in Monroeville, Ohio, to John D. and Marjorie (Harris) Clayton. On August 17, 1952, Virginia married Theodore “Ted” Heckler, and together they shared over 48 years of love and devotion until his passing on December 16, 2000.

Virginia grew up on the Claytondale Farm in Monroeville, Ohio where her heart never left. She was a proud graduate of Monroeville High School, Class of 1947. She continued her education at Bowling Green State University, where she was an active member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was honored as the Sweetheart of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. She graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After earning her degree, Virginia began her career as an elementary school teacher in Sandusky, Ohio, where she taught first and third grade at Osborne Elementary and first grade at Mills Elementary. Once she started a family, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to being a loving homemaker and an exceptional mother.

Virginia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, a lifelong member of the Northville Women’s Club, and an active member of Meadowbrook Country Club. She took great pride in keeping her lawn perfectly manicured and her home spotless; tasks she truly enjoyed. Virginia was deeply involved in her children’s, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities, always their biggest supporter. In 1971, she founded the Northville High School Band Boosters, encouraging community support for the musical arts. Virginia had a special love for Lincoln cars, always favoring white vehicles. Her favorite car was her 1973 white Mustang, which held fond memories for her daughters as the car they learned to drive in. Virginia’s collection of cranberry glass and antique furniture was truly exquisite. Finding the perfect piece to add to her home was a rewarding pursuit that she greatly enjoyed.

From the time she left Ohio until 2009, Virginia spent every Christmas and Thanksgiving on the Claytondale Farm in Monroeville, a farm that has been in her family for five generations—a legacy she was incredibly proud of. In her saltbox home in Northville, she loved relaxing on the back porch, admiring her garden, or waiting to hear the gentle songs of her Jenny Wren. Virginia shared a deep love for her family, always offering a special tidbit during the holidays or on special occasions. She was a kind-hearted woman, always had a smile on her face, and she was determined to enjoy life to the fullest. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Virginia is survived by her children, Susan (Greg) Boll and Nancy (Bryan) Riegner; her grandchildren, Sarah (Ethan) Allen, Richard (Krista) Riegner, William (Kayla) Riegner, and Suzanne (Aaron) Cozart; her great grandchildren, Isabel, Bennett, Elina, Abigail, Hudson, Liviana, Ella, Zemira, and Claire; her sister-in-law Agnes Balduff; and her brother-in-law Dick Garner. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her great granddaughter Sophia Allen, her sister Elizabeth Garner, her infant brother John D. Clayton, and her brother John Day Clayton.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 10:00 am until Noon with a funeral service beginning Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Virginia will be laid to rest next to her husband at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.