Sylvia A. Heckler

Sylvia A. (Trayer) Heckler, 89, of Topton, died April 5, 2023. She was the widow of The Reverend Willis K. Heckler, who died Nov. 8, 2019, and whom she married on June 23, 1962. Surrounded by her daughters, Sylvia peacefully joined her husband Willis in their heavenly home.

Born in Kutztown, PA, Sylvia was a daughter of the late Charles H. and Sadilla C. (Huseman) Trayer. She was a graduate of Reading High School, and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Art Education from Kutztown University. She was an art teacher in several school districts, retiring from the Pottsgrove School District after 14 years. In her retirement, she continued to teach art at the Topton Home and Phoebe Home as a volunteer.

She was a member of Zion's Union Church, Maxatawny, where her husband served as Pastor for 11 years before his retirement. She served on the Church's Choir, Women's Guild, and was a Sunday School teacher for many years at all the churches her husband served. Sylvia was also active in the AAUW and the Kutztown Community Choir. She was an avid scrabble player and continued to play with family and church ladies who visited at Topton Home. She remains the family Scrabble champion.

Sylvia had many interests, but the one job she treasured the most was that of being a mother (mom) to two daughters. She spent many years as a homemaker, in addition to her role as a pastor’s wife and substitute art teacher. Sylvia had a strong faith and wanted to share that faith and values with future generations.

Sylvia is survived by daughters, Lisa M. (Heckler) wife of James R. Jones, Douglassville, and Sue Ellen Heckler, partner of Joann Urban, Norristown, a sister, Linda (Trayer) Snyder, Reading, and a brother, Glenn Trayer, Wernersville. There are also three grandchildren, Matthew, Andrew and Joshua Jones.

A Funeral Service to Celebrate and Honor Sylvia's life will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in Zion's Union Church, 329 Church Road, Kutztown, with The Reverend Jessica L. Hainley, officiating. Interment in Zion Maxatawny Union Cemetery, Kutztown. Relatives and Friends are invited to a viewing on Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and again on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., both times in the church.

The family requests contributions be considered in Sylvia's memory to Kutztown University Foundation and Alumni Relations, 15197 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA 19530

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com