Patricia Ann Heckel, 57, a resident of Elkins, passed from this life on Monday evening, April 4, 2011 at her home. She had battled an extended illness prior to her death, but she had never stopped enjoying time spent with her loved ones. She was born on Wednesday, November 25, 1953 in Elkins, a daughter of the late William Andrew and Minnie Oaster Heckel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Larissa Ball, one sister, Mary Lee Heckel, two brothers, William “Pee Wee” Heckel, and Paul Andrew “Andy” Heckel, and a brother-in-law, Donald Lee Gilbert. Left to cherish her memory in one daughter, Natalie Portaro and fiancé, Dustin Kniffen of Elkins, two sisters, Frances “Jody” Gilbert of Elkins and Geraldine R. Heckel of Charleston, one brother, Melvin Heckel and wife, Betty of Elkins, and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends. Patricia was a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 1971, had received an Associate Degree from Davis & Elkins College in nursing, and had worked at the Davis Memorial Hospital. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. At Patricia’s request, her body was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday May 13, 2011 at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Elkins, WV with the Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs VF presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to the Randolph County Humane Society, P.O. Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241.
