Elizabeth "Betty" Jane McGuire Heck, 100, died peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, October 24, 2021.

Betty was born December 5, 1920, to parents, Arthur and Audra McGuire, in Laredo, MO. After graduating from Laredo High School at the age of 15, she attended the University of Arizona and graduated from the University of Missouri. She worked for the FBI in Los Angeles, CA during World War II. Betty met and married her "handsome husband," returning Army Air Corps pilot, Franklin N. Heck, in 1947. She taught at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. While there, she hosted a live television show - one of the first in the nation - for four years. In 1965, Betty accepted a position as Professor and Chair of the Fashion Design Department at the University of Cincinnati, where she served as a mentor, role model and inspiration to countless students who came through her department. Fearless yet kind, glamorous yet practical, Betty led the department for 23 years. Upon her retirement, she received an Award of Excellence from the University.

Following their children, Betty and Frank then moved south and lived in Alabama for 30 years. But retirement did not dampen Betty's brightness. Never one to rest on her laurels, Betty traveled and pursued new interests, such as becoming a Master Gardener and savvy stock-market investor in her eighties. Frank died in 2008 and she moved to Pensacola, FL in 2014.

Betty's beloved sister, Patricia "Patty" Christian, preceded her in death in 2019.

Betty is survived by her children, Susan Chapman of Pensacola, FL, Marianna McKerall of Gulf Shores, AL and Franklin Heck Jr. of Gulf Breeze, FL; her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; and everyone whose life she touched along the way.

Betty was a loving, nurturing matriarch, always ready to advise and help any family member or friend in need. She served as second mother to numerous people over the years. Her warmth and dynamic personality touched everyone she met and inspired them to embrace new experiences and find the positive in everything. For over a century, Betty, a paragon of innovation and style, shone her light on everyone she met.

Betty's ashes will be laid to rest next to her husband, Frank, at a private ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Betty's name may be made to Covenant Hospice or the charity of your choice.