Dorothy "Dottie" P. T. (Leibig) Heck

     Dorothy P. T. “Dottie” Heck, 80, entered into eternal rest at 5:25 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023, surrounded by family, Rev. Rick Adams, and two of her best friends: Charlotte Renninger and Judy Rinker. She was born January 5, 1943 in Blandon, PA to the late Theodore and Dorothy (Sholedice) Leibig of Gouglersville, PA.

    She was preceded in death by her husband and companion of more than 33 years, Richard P. Heck Sr, on Jan. 5, 2007, as well as one son, Theodore Wealand-Leibiq and one daughter, Beverly Messner.

      Dorothy is survived by son Wade Wealand and grandchildren Jason and Austin Wealand of Ephrata, PA; son Robert Heck of Springfield, Georgia, and grandchildren Rachael, Wyatt and Hannah Heck; son Richard P. Heck II and granddaughter Patience Melody Heck of Mifflin; son Charles Messner and grandchildren Heather, Mark, Daniel, Angela, Matthew, Catherine, Luke, Michaiah all of Fivepointville, PA; sister Cheryl and husband David Wolfe of Birdsboro, PA. She and Richard considered V. LaDon Turner and wife Janice as well as their children and grandchildren as their adopted family. Dorothy is also survived by grandson Richard P. “Ricky” Heck III of Mifflin, whom she raised from infancy to adulthood with her husband Richard Sr.

     She was a 1961 graduate of Wilson High School, Reading, PA, and upon graduation attended college at Mccann School of Business in Reading. During her time in the workforce, Dottie lived some of her fondest memories team-driving tractor trailer with her husband Richard in the 70’s. From there she moved with her family to Savannah, Georgia and worked at Starvin’ Marvin's in Hilton Head, SC, then 84 Lumber in Savannah, Georgia.

      Dottie moved from Savannah to Juniata County in 1983. She worked for companies in Pennsylvania such as Hershey Foods, Sheetz, inc., Snyder & Juniata County School Districts as a Special-Education Assistant, and most recently CRI Lewistown as an in-home caretaker.

     Dorothy was an active member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church from 1983 until she was called home, as well as a member of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Women of the ELCA. Dorothy was a fundraising guru, and annually helped raise funds for Boy Scout Troop 124 of Licking Creek, as well as other local sports and clubs.

     She was also well-known for her cooking talents, whether baking pies for the church festival or serving food at Heck-of-a-Life restaurant in Mifflin which she and her husband owned for a few years.

      For over 22 years Dorothy volunteered at the Juniata County Meals on Wheels program, with 17 consecutive years serving as director. She would collect donations from the Mifflintown Weis store, because she ran a food giveaway at the Mifflin Fire Annex. She was an avid seamstress, and was gifted with drawing, writing, & penmanship. She loved to be outdoors, and would spend many summers at Lake Raystown with family. Her voice along with her presence will be sorely missed by her family, friends, and local community.

      A memorial service will be held on Friday March 31 at 11 a.m. at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Licking Creek Valley, with Rev. Rick Adams officiating. A visitation will be held with the family beginning at 9:30 a.m. prior to services, also at St. Stephens. A private interment will be held by the family at a later time.

     Those who desire to help with the final expenses may send a donation to Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown, PA 17059.

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