Verdean Mae (Hunter) Heck

Verdean Mae (Hunter) Heck, age 88, passed peacefully on August 3, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; Thomas D Johns and Harry C. Heck; parents Glenn S. Hunter and Elizabeth K. (Wright) Hunter; sister Evelyn (Hunter) Zolla; and grandson Kareem I Fike.

Verdean is survived by her daughter, Regina (Hunter) Fike and her husband Richard, her grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Justin and Michelle (Galati) Fike; Corran, Rylei, and Tucker

Nicholas and Genna (Gale) Fike; Grayson, Delante, Liam, Brinley, Kyleah, and Maddison

Lauren (Fike) and Erik Graham; Aidan, Kaleb, and Avalynn

Anastasia (Fike) and Michael Shoell; Zachary, Rachel, Benjamin, Samuel, Sarah, and Elizabeth; Hannah. K Fike, Bryce A. Fike, and Taya G. Fike.

Verdean was born in Somerset County and was a graduate of Shanksville-Stonycreek High School. Verdean was a cosmetologist who owned Salons in Stoystown and Somerset. Verdean eventually moved to Central PA where she has lived with her family for many years.

Verdean possessed a creative and artistic spirit that was always curious and open to learning and experiencing new things. These gifts were a blessing to her daughter and grandchildren in endless hours of imagination, play and adventures. She had a wonderful ability to make you feel that you were the most important person in the room and gave of her time and talents liberally.

Verdean is a long-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she served in many positions and especially loved her time as Young Women’s President.

She was an avid genealogist who carried on the work of compiling family history begun by her father Glenn. She treasured and kept those records for all those who remain.

Verdean was known to share her testimony and love of Jesus Christ with everyone she encountered. Verdean experienced challenging health problems in life but was known for her peaceful and patient heart in adversity. She had a talent for “seeing” the struggles of others and consistently demonstrated a willingness to make personal sacrifices to ease their burdens. She gained the nickname “Birdie” at the nursing home for her habit of singing hymns and spirituals, often seeking out those who needed comfort.

Verdean was a self-taught artist, pianist, cake decorator, dollmaker, and seamstress and was never afraid to try something new.

She leaves those who love her with a legacy of faith in her Savior Jesus Christ, perseverance, humility, love of others and grace in adversity.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, at the Lewisberry Ward, 800 Pleasant Drive, York Haven PA, 17370. A meal will follow the service. Please join us as we celebrate mom's homegoing. 

In lieu of flowers, consider some act of kindness in mom's memory. 

We are who we are because of you Mom. You are loved in Heaven and on Earth. You are there; and we are here, but WE are …. till we meet again.