Ruth Fasse was born on February 26, 1919, in Wakefield, Kansas to John Henry and Ethel (Shandy) Fasse. She, along with her two younger brothers, Dean and Gail Fasse, grew up on the family farm. Ruth attended Victor 1st-8th grade and Wakefield High School 9th-12th. She planned to be a schoolteacher.
At age 16, Ruth met her future husband, Richard W. Heikes, at Mizpah Church in Wakefield, Kansas on May 5th, 1935. He faithfully courted and wrote to his “Ruthie” until his graduation from Kansas State. They married on September 22, 1940, at Wakefield Methodist and later welcomed Richard John (Dick) in 1942 and Dianna Gayle in 1945. Ruth’s greatest joy was her family.
The Heikes Family left farm-life for Fountain, Colorado in 1955 and became owners of the Fountain Motel. She loved spending time in the mountains, watching her son race, rooting for her Broncos and spending time with all the grandchildren. A favorite memory for the grandkids during the 70’s was getting A & W Root Beer floats when visiting the motel. They lovingly took care of the Fountain property and their residents/guests until 1980, when they retired to Southern Colorado Springs. Many more years of creating family memories and hosting gatherings followed in their Chamberlin home. When the time came, they moved in with Dianna, who devoted her life to caring for them. After Richard went on to his forever home in 2007, Ruth reclaimed her joy by holding great-grandbabies and participating in the grandkid’s sleepovers and many events. Her favorite dog, Samson, visited often which was a highlight during the last few years.
Ruth was preceded in death by her father, John, in 1940 and her mother, Ethel Fasse Zerbe, in 1996; brother, Dean Fasse; son, Dick Heikes, grandson, Kevin Heikes, and great grandson, Wesley Heikes and her best friend, Mildred Estes (2024). She is survived by her brother, Gail (Betty); sister-in law, Evelyn Mugler; daughter, Dianna Gayle Cockroft; daughter-in-law, Marlene; grandchildren Sheri Santeramo, Steve Heikes (Robin), Scott Heikes, (Jeri); Brenda Deaton, Rich Heikes, Michelle Cockroft, Melinda Sukle (Ron), Matt Cockroft (Sandie), ten great grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruth believed, “I’m here as long as the Lord tarries,” but said she dreamt of when the Lord would call her home. That occurred peacefully and gently on September 18, 2024, while at home with the three generations that were blessed by her presence every day. She was 105.5 years old. Ruth leaves behind a legacy of love, forgiveness, and complete faith in her Lord and Savior and His perfect timing. For those she left behind, her prayer chair may be empty, but her sweet smile and the twinkle in her eyes will never be forgotten.
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Friday; October 4, 2024, at. Mizpah United Methodist Church
Celebration of Life Services: 11:00 a.m. October 4, at Mizpah United Methodist Church
Burial will be at Athelstane Cemetery, Clay County.
Donations can be made to:
Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, Mizpah United Methodist or Wakefield Museum Association: c/o the funeral home
Online condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com
