MARY VIRGINIA "GINI" HECK, 80, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday evening, September 16, 2012 at the Kansas Veterans' Home.

Born February 29, 1932 in Marlow, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Byron Ennis and Elizabeth Virginia (Lewis) DeGraffenreid. She was raised in Antlers, Oklahoma and later in Oklahoma City. After high school, Gini moved to Chicago where she attended and graduated college. During college, she worked for a newspaper as a sketch artist.

She was united in marriage to James Webster Heck on February 7, 1963 in Matamorus, Mexico. Gini worked as a Drafting Engineer for Beech, Boeing, Cessna, and Learjet. Mr. Heck preceded her in death on August 2, 2006.

Gini was a natural and an excellent artist. She loved painting and drawing and anything that had to do with art. She also enjoyed traveling and playing the piano and loved being with friends.

Her family includes:
Her sons: Jimmy Heck II of Dallas, TX; and Jeff Heck and wife, Linda of Andover;
Her daughter: Cheryl Heck of Winfield;
Her brother: Larrie Ford of Benbrook, TX;
Her grandchildren: Bryan McCoskey, Renee Boydo and Ashley McCoskey;
Her great grandchildren: Michael and Aspen Boydo and Daelyn Davis;
Her nephews: Larry and Garry Stotts; and
Numerous other nephews and nieces.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gini was preceded in death by her brothers, Byron Ennis "Barney" DeGraffenreid, Jr. and Jerry Douglass "Doug" DeGraffenreid and her sister, Ramona Stotts.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. A private family inurnment will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Arkansas City.

A Memorial has been established in Mrs. Heck's name for the Kansas Veterans' Home. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.