Bethany L. Heckman

In tune with herself, Bethany Heckman strolled through life to the beat of her own drummer. Although strong-willed and stubborn at times, Bethany had a heart of gold. She was a sweet woman whose heart shone bright the characteristics of kindness and compassion. Bethany looked beyond the names and faces of people and looked deep into their eyes while listening with her heart. Despite the tragedy that took her from those she loved too soon, Bethany’s vibrancy and unconditional love lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed.

As winter placed a snowy white blanket across much of the Midwest in 1977, the culture of America was quickly evolving. It was during this time that Elvis’ beloved followers said their goodbyes to him that year, Apple introduced their first computer and the debut of Star Wars took the world by storm. The Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, New York were finally completed only to be desecrated years later in one of the most tragic events in American history. For Gary and Diane (Martin) Lindsey of Anderson, Indiana, the end of an eventful year brought forth much hope and promise for the young couple as they joyfully welcomed the birth of their baby girl Bethany Leigh on December 1, 1977.

Bethany grew up with her older sister Amber and enjoyed many childhood adventures with neighborhood playmates, attending birthday parties and riding bikes. She attended the local schools in Marion, Indiana through the third grade when her family moved to Portage, Michigan. An outgoing and fun loving girl, Bethany made fast friends in Portage. She did exceedingly well in school and excelled in her studies and graduated from Portage Central High School in 1996. In her senior year of high school she met Casey Heckman and two days after graduation they began to date and in time he would capture her heart.

Casey and Bethany had a special relationship with shared interests, common goals for the future and hopeful dreams. They were not only in love, but were the very best of friends. Casey was drawn to Bethany’s strong-willed independence yet kind and caring heart. On February 27, 1999, they exchanged vows of forever as they became husband and wife. They settled comfortably into their lives at home with their two much loved “children”, a silver lab named Massey and a lab mix named Sarah.

After high school, Bethany enrolled in Anderson University and later transferred to Western Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. With her degree in hand, it didn’t take long before Bethany’s determined nature landed her a position as a hazardous waste chemist for Drug and Laboratory Disposal in nearby Plainwell.

Bethany could dish it out as well as she could take it in. She really became a beloved part of the Heckman family while out to dinner with them one evening. After Casey made a smart remark about something, his mother looked Bethany straight in the eye and told her she could smack him for his comment. Bethany gladly obliged and smacked Casey a good one right along the back of his head! She was from that point on a true Heckman! Casey’s grandpa also tried to ruffle Bethany’s feathers the first time they went up to his cottage together. Having driven his brand new red truck, Casey’s grandpa was standing while greeting them with a wash pail full of soapy water. It was to remove the bugs off the truck, and when Bethany got out of the truck, grandpa handed her the pail and proceeded to lead Casey into the cottage. Bewildered, Bethany remained standing there trying to determine if it was part of some joke. Like two peas in a pod, Bethany and Casey were very close to each other and to their family. Her niece and nephews, Jessica, Marcus and Bradley meant the world to her and she delighted enjoying time with them.

Another turning point in Bethany’s life came about a few years ago in late spring when Bethany walked into a restaurant and saw a sign posting for a Roller Derby on the door and told Casey they were going to go see it. By that November, Bethany was diligently practicing with the team. She soon coined with the nickname “FeBox”, slang for “an iron box” because of her determination in the sport. She skated and competed with the Killamazoo Derby Darlins and had recently taken on added responsibilities for the team. Roller derby was one of her greatest passions. She made numerous friends and enjoyed the sport immensely all while being a devoted and dedicated rock’n derby girl.

In the early part of 2000 Casey bought a motorcycle. He and Bethany absolutely loved riding together. In 2006 Bethany earned her own endorsement while Casey surprised her with a beautiful bike of her own. Over the last four years they took numerous bike trips together, some alone and a few with friends. They often tailored their bikes to their destination before riding them home. It always proved to be a memorable time for them. They once rode the Blue Ridge Parkway route and were currently touring the infamous Route 66 tour when Bethany was involved in the fatal accident that sadly claimed her life. Before hitting the road headed for Texas, they visited the Grand Canyon and took in a baseball game with the Diamondbacks versus the Dodgers. On Saturday morning, May 15, 2010 while riding in Sweetwater, Texas they hit rain which caused the accident. At the age of 32, Bethany died due to the injuries she sustained.

A sweet woman who held great compassion in her heart, Bethany‘s care and concern for others was unconditional. She had a gift for looking beyond and into a person’s heart. Quite simply, Bethany summed up her own heart each and every time she signed her emails . . . “Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of Battle.” Bethany will be forever remembered and sadly missed yet her love and compassion will live on in the hearts of those she touched with encouragement and life.

Bethany was preceded in death by her father, Gary Lindsey. Members of her family include her husband, Casey Heckman; mother and stepfather, Diane and Russ Tultz; her sister, Amber (James) Snider and her niece and nephew, Jessica and Marcus Snider; mother and father-in-law, Rory and Michele Heckman; brother-in-law, Bryan (Lori) Heckman and her nephew, Bradley Heckman; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, many friends and fans.

Visit with Bethany’s family, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Thursday and Friday, 4-8 PM at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A service to celebrate Bethany‘s life will be held Saturday, May 22, 2010, 11:00 AM at Westwood Church of God, 811 Gorham in Kalamazoo. Please visit Bethany’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory, photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or to make a memorial donation to the Kalamazoo Humane Society or Killamazoo Derby Darlins.