Ruthie Lee Heckelman, 95, of Avon Park passed away Wednesday evening, October 18, 2017 at her home.  A native of Barbara County, Alabama she was the daughter of James Talmage and Foye M. (Day) Cooper.  She moved to the Avon Park area in the 1940's.  She spent her life as a cattle rancher.  Ruthie was a member of Florida Avenue Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Heckelman in 2005, stepson, Gene Thomas, sisters, Jean McGiness, Merle Hopper and Sue Bennett.  She is survived by her son, Jerry Casey; stepsons, Billie and Tommy Thomas; brothers, Robert and Billie Cooper; 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.