***Updated date and time of services, please see below***

Betty D. Heck, 97, of Rome, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Rome Health with her family by her side.

Born Betty Davis in Center Moriches, Long Island on September 18, 1928 to the late Archie and Mary Elliston Davis. She attended Traphagen School of Design, then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from NY State Teacher's College at Oneonta. Betty was a teacher in the Rome City School District at the Garden Street School, then Stokes Elementary school. On November 10, 1951, she married Charles J. Heck, a union of over 66 years until his passing on July 25, 2018.

Betty valued creativity, humor, curiosity and service to others. She enjoyed sewing, ceramics, and more recently painting and writing. In her final years, determined to keep family memories and history preserved, she wrote stories detailing family history customized for each of her three children. A devoted reader and lifelong learner, she embraced technology and used it to connect to beloved family and friends. She enjoyed playing the organ, singing and bowling, competing as part of the King Pin bowling league. She was an active member and Sunday school teacher at Delta United Methodist church for many years.

Betty also loved her dogs, including her beagle Pokey and her Boston Terriers Cinderella and Boots n Saddles.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Peter III) Cania of Lee Center, and Heidi (Lee) Elmendorf of Latham, NY; her son, Tim (Alison) Heck of Greenfield Center, NY; her seven grandchildren, Lisa (Jeff), Mari (Chris), Peter IV, Trevor, Nastia, McLaren, and Charlie; many nieces and nephews; and special friends at the Terrace at Woodland, where she was a resident for the last several years. Betty was predeceased by her husband Charlie Heck, and her sisters Gladys Davis and Marian Scholz.

Betty's Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, January 27 at 2 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will take place May 15, 2026, at 2 PM in Evergreen Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Barry Funeral Home from 12 to 2 PM prior to the celebration of Betty's life.

Those who wish may donate to Delta United Methodist Church or the Humane Society of Rome in Betty's memory.

Please offer online condolences at: www.barryfuneralhome.com.