Harriett Alice Heckathorn

Harriett Heckathorn, 87, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones who cared for her during her final days.

Harriett was born on February 13, 1938, at her family home in Cotter, Iowa. She grew up there enjoying childhood days playing with her brother Paul. Later, Harriett moved with her parents and brother to Columbus Junction after her father purchased a farm outside of town. Harriett remained on the farm helping with chores and learning the value of hard work that would define her life.

She later met and married Richard H. Simmons of Columbus Junction. Harriett was a devoted stay-at-home mother raising her three children and, as many remember, the other kids in the neighborhood as well. True to her strong work ethic she helped support the family by doing neighbors’ laundry, ironing, and babysitting. When she became a single mother, Harriett continued her hard work ethic cleaning new construction and managing and cleaning apartments.
Harriett eventually met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Heckathorn, and they were married on December 31, 1988. Bob was also very hard-working and together they built Hawkeye Burial Vaults. The couple lived in Ankeny before later moving to Madrid, Iowa. Unfortunately, Bob passed away in 1999 and shortly after, Harriett retired to live out her life on her country property in Madrid.

Harriett’s life was spent caring for so many others. She always made friends with everyone she met and was loved by all. Born into a family whose first sibling was born in 1919 and living until 2026, Harriett was part of a generation spanning 107 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Marie (May) Fuller; her seven siblings; her husband Bob Heckathorn; and her beloved son Patrick.
She is survived by many relatives including her closest family: Susan Simmons Schooler, and her daughters Shae and Jennafer; Christine Simmons Ragaller and her son Zachary; her great-grandson Kirk Harrington (Brittany); and she was adored by—and deeply loved—her five great-grandsons and two great-great-grandsons.

Family will be greeting friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens; 121 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. Harriett will be laid to rest at Ankeny Memorial Gardens; 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to A Heinz 57, a no-kill animal shelter. A cause which would be close to Harriett’s heart.

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