Claire Heckathorn

Claire Patronis Ashton Heckathorn, 67, passed away February 24, 2016, in Idaho Falls. She was born October 31, 1948, in Tallahassee, Florida, the daughter of James and Mary Francis McManus Patronis. Claire attended schools in Tallahassee and Florida State University, majoring in law enforcement. Since few women found jobs in police work at that time, she worked in a variety of jobs, but mostly as an office manager for an architectural firm. When her husband Christopher Ashton, died in an auto accident, Claire worked extra jobs to support herself and her young son, and still found time to coach his youth baseball team.

Later she moved to the Seattle, Washington, area and entered the nursing profession, where she became a nursing supervisor at several facilities. In addition to nursing, she became interested in the sport of power lifting and won the AAU National and North American Championships. Three times she won World Championships in the Senior Division. She was surprised later to learn that her grandfather had been known as "the strongest man in Greece." Among her other interests were kayaking, guiding groups in the Olympic Mountain wilderness for the Sierra Club, making replica antique dolls, and serving as a Board Member for the Salvation Army.

In 1995 she married Ted Heckathorn of Woodinville, Washington. They later moved to Idaho Falls, where Claire established Claire's Impact Fitness Studio, became a candidate for the State Legislature and County Commissioner, and served as President of the Stonebrook Homeowners Association. For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she worked as a leader in the Primary, Relief Society, as a Sunday School Teacher and as a Stake Missionary in several different wards.

Claire was preceded in death by her parents and her previous husband, Christopher Ashton. She is survived by her husband, Ted Heckathorn, son, Christopher Ashton, and stepchildren, Jill, Ted, Caitlin, Scott and David Heckathorn, and Emilie Roberson, along with 12 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and loving step mother, Nell Malphurs. Her surviving siblings are Debra Chatham, Cheryl Turner, Doreen Maroz, Donna Mooney and Gregory Patronis. Also special friends, Sandy Pitts, Bill Bailey, and many others whose lives this remarkable lady touched.

Claire's funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at the Idaho Falls LDS Park Taylor Ward, 5255 5th West, Idaho Falls. Bishop Todd Harris of Township Ward will be conducting the services.

Funeral Services will be held