Gail Heck

Gail Jeannine Heck, 92, of Nokomis, Illinois, passed away at 1:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living in Hillsboro.

Born on January 25, 1934, in Pana, Illinois, Gail was the daughter of James H. and Annetta M. (Jayne) Morgan.  She married Ralph T. Heck on September 20, 1952 at the First Baptist Church of Nokomis.  He preceded her in death on April 5, 2024. They operated Mohawk Furniture and Hardware in Nokomis for over 50 years.  

Gail devoted her life to her family and was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She and Ralph enjoyed traveling and spending time camping and boating at Lake Taylorville, where they created memories for over 50 years. She also spent many years playing cards with friends and enjoyed golfing, bowling, reading, and playing the piano. 

In her later years, Gail became quite proficient at Rummikub and regularly bested her younger opponents. She was known for having an insatiable sweet-tooth, with chocolate being one of her favorite treats. Her kitchen candy drawer was always well-stocked and was a favorite stop for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Nokomis. 

She is survived by her three children, Jay (Carrie) Heck of St. Charles, IL, Tamira Monahan of Nokomis, IL, and Jayne (Jeff) Hebrank of Ladue, MO; grandchildren, Brant Livingston, Spencer Heck, Breann Gray, Madison Gonet, Nicholas Gonet, and Luke Hebrank; step-grandchildren Matt Porter, Michelle McConnell, Courtney Poe and Jordan Hebrank; seven great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Gina Gonet; one brother, William E. Morgan; and one sister, Patricia J. Bowers.

Following Gail’s wishes, cremation care is being accorded.  She and her husband, Ralph, will be laid to rest together at Nokomis Cemetery this fall, on what would have been their 74th Anniversary.  A private memorial will be held at that time.

Donations are suggested to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Attn: Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/

Arrangements are entrusted to Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home, Nokomis, Illinois.

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