Robbi Heck

robbi heck
Robbi Heck 67, lost her brave and tenacious battle with pancreatic cancer, after doing “everything they told me to do.” She proudly served 37 years as an elementary school teacher in Redondo Beach, CA and for Wichita USD 259, where she taught at Ingalls and Mary Benton Elementary. She touched the lives of hundreds of students, always endeavoring to prepare them for the future and bring out the best in them. She loved music and music theatre and greatly appreciated supporting the performing arts in Wichita. Robbi enjoyed attending performances around the city; she encouraged current and former students to pursue the arts with Music Theatre for Young People; and she served as the President of the Music Theatre Wichita Guild. Preparing “Sunday Suppers” for the MTW cast and crew was one of her favorite activities. She is survived by her husband, Larry, and her son, Matthew. She is also survived by brothers and sisters, Jackie Strong, Reed Schountz, Tony Schountz, Jennifer Schountz and Debbie Milleman. Visitation for family and friends, 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 18 at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 19, in the Chapel at The Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent, 1165 Southwest Blvd., Wichita, KS 67213.  Memorial established with the C. Larry and Robbi C. Heck Scholarship, c/o Newman University.

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  1. Larry and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories from when I worked at Newman. Sending prayers to you.

  2. I always enjoyed attending Newman U events with the Hecks. If the seat next to Robbi was available I always snagged it! She was quick with a welcoming smile and a wry observation of events. There was never a dull moment when Robbi Heck was at your side at a benefit!
    She was always so proud of Newman and her family. Her stories of Matthews glories and Larrys dedication — to family, to Music Theatre and NU — gave us joy and a new memory to take home after the festivities.

    I wish much peace and love to Larry, Matthew and the family. Robbi was — and is — a force of nature.
    Cheryl Golden

  3. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Larry and family members. Robbie had such a love for life and always had a wonderful smile. She will be missed by everyone.

  4. Oh Larry and Matthew
    ….what wonderful memories I have of Robbi! That orange marmalade gingerbread she brought to every High Tea … nobody could make it like she did! I so enjoyed every conversation I had with her. Matthew, she was SO PROUD of you! Sending my love, and prayers for peace.

  5. Larry and Matthew, we are so sorry for the loss of Robbie. We know how much she meant to you. She always was smiling. The days ahead will be hard but she is now in a beautiful place, , looking down and smiling at you. Take comfort in knowing that she is in her forever home.

  6. Larry and Matthew, so sorry for your loss. Robbi was such a wonderful person and a pleasure to be around. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family.

  7. Larry and Matthew,
    I was saddened to read of Robbis passing.She was, as others have said, such a caring, warm lady. I remember when Matthew was born how proud she was of him and that never subsided as he grew into a talented young man. I was privileged to work with he at Benton and Ive read the tributes to her by her former students. Her love and teaching extended beyond the classroom. My heart and prayers are with you.

  8. I am so saddened to learn of Robbis passing. Although I didnt know her well, she was always very gracious and kind to me. I respect the many good works she did and her commitment to education. My thoughts are with you, Dr. Heck, and your family.

  9. Larry, you and Robbie & Matthew have been held close in my heart and prayers since I saw you at the Cancer Center awhile ago. My heart is broken with yours that she was taken so early. May our God of comfort be with you in the days ahead.

  10. Our condolences to Larry and the family. We got to know Robbi through meeting of the Pi Gamma Mu international social science honor society Board [Larry is the current President], and Robbi and Mary had the most wonderful times when the rest of us were cooped up in committee meetings. She was a great lady.

  11. One of the most important things a school principal can do is hire the best teachers. Im very proud that Robbi was a member of the Ingalls Elementary faculty! Great relationship with students, her colleagues and parents.
    My prayers and condolences are with Larry and family

  12. When I first met Robbi at Benton Larry brought Matthew in and he toddled to his moms classroom couldnt get there fast enough. She was so proud of you Matthew I watched you grow up through her eyes. My prayers will continue for the days to come that you find peace in your memories.

  13. My thoughts are with your family as you remember and celebrate the life of Robbi, a woman whose compassion reached many students in her teaching career others and who was a supporter of the performing arts in Wichita. As a fellow educator and former MTYP parent, I remember Robbis friendly demeanor with everyone and her encouragement to her students. May God grant you comfort as you mourn Robbis passing.

  14. Larry:

    I am so sorry to learn of Robbis passing. I got to know you both through my ex in-laws, the Myers family. I remember when you and Robbi attended our wedding. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Always had that great big smile. I know both Mr. and Mrs. Myers always talked highly about your family. I remember just talking to Robbi last year. It was a pleasure to see her.

    I hope as the days pass, you find comfort in knowing that Robbi was so loved and will be missed by those who knew her. Cherish her memories forever in your heart and remember she is no longer in pain.

  15. Larry and Matthew,

    We are very saddened to hear the news of Robbi. Robbi was a great person who was always so nice, very polite, and fun to be around. We always enjoyed receiving and reading the Christmas Card each year. You are both in our thoughts and prayers.

  16. Dr. Heck,
    So sorry to hear about Robbi. She, along with you, are two of the nicest people that I have ever had the opportunity to know. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

  17. Larry and Matthew. So sorry for your loss. It was such a privilege to know Robbi. Her smile and positive attitude will remain in our hearts.

  18. Our hearts give immortality to those we love in memory. Robbi was such a positive person; she always had a smile on her face and could ‘diffuse’ any tense situation. She made a positive impact on the lives of many and left a positive legacy. Hugs to all of you.

  19. Robbi was such a bright light and always so welcoming to everyone. I worked with her as a school social worker and she always made me feel welcomed. Her students adored her and it was always a pleasure working in her classroom. I send my prayers to the Heck family, Larry and Matthew. I also learned from Larry at Newman University and felt that same warmth from him as I did from Robbi. Your educational impact leaves a continued legacy.

  20. So sad for the passing of such a wonderful woman whose time was much too short. I will remember fondly the wonderful times we had together, including Thanksgiving at Tonys when I was in charge of the turkey…. I think we finally had dinner at 10 that night after planning to eat at 5! Early mornings with the flavored coffees were always great times for conversation. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all today and in the coming days, months, years. God bless her and you all.

  21. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends. May God bring comfort to your hearts and strengthen you during this difficult time. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17) CM

  22. Dr. Heck,
    My heart breaks for you and Matthew. Robbi always had a smile on her face and was so warm and kind to everybody. I pray for comfort for you and Matthew during this difficult time.

  23. A beautiful soul is now at rest, but the imprint made is this world is permanent and will not be forgotten.

  24. Im so sorry about your loss of Robbi. Something that has comforted me during times of loss is keeping in mind the beautiful invitation God extends to us personally at 1 Peter 5: 6, 7. May this comfort you as well.

    Callie, Your Neighbor

  25. I would like to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you his peace at this very difficult time. Php 4:6,7


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