Gwen Lynn Heffner
November 4, 1952 - July 14, 2021
Irvine, Kentucky - Gwen Lynn Heffner passed away on July 14th, 2021 at her home in Irvine, Kentucky. She was born on November 4, 1952 in Columbus OH. Her parents were Virginia Rinehart Heffner and Phillip E. Heffner Jr. She received her BA degree in printmaking and ceramics from Luther College in Iowa. She received her graduate degree in ceramics from the University of Louisville under the late Tom Marsh. After four years as an Artist in the Schools throughout Kentucky, Gwen established her pottery outside Irvine, KY. She ran the Contemporary Artifacts Gallery in Berea, Kentucky for ten years before taking an administrative position at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea in 2003. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Robert S. Ruffner, her son Matthew Phillip Ruffner, her sister, Gail B. Heffner, and her brother Gary H. Heffner, and several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous beloved cousins. Donations can be made to Hospice of Kentucky, or Eastern Kentucky University Public Radio. A gathering celebration will be held at a later date. For more information contact Robert Ruffner at (606) 723-7604.

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Published by & from Jul. 15 to Jul. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Gwen Heffner

Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.

16 Entries

Mark and Nancy Needham

August 2, 2021

Thank you,Gwen, for being such a supportive advocate for artists. Your design sense and happy demeanor made the Artisan Center experience special for buyers and artists. You will be greatly missed. As an artist and patron of the arts, Gwen undoubtedly showered her family with art objects which hopefully will continue to spark memories of her loving nature.

Stephen Driver

July 20, 2021

Gwen, you were a good friend and I will always appreciate your kindness, support for my work , and your knowledge and love of clay. I loved getting articles from you on messenger and that you stayed in touch long after I left Kentucky.

Deb Chenault

July 18, 2021

I heard about Gwen's illness very late and was preparing to send a card when I sadly learned of her passing. In 2001, Gwen was the first person who took a chance on my work, selling it at her small gallery, Contemporary Artifacts. She encouraged me to apply for admission to the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen and to the KY Crafted Program. She was happy and unsurprised when I was admitted to both, telling me, "I told you so!" This was Gwen--encouraging younger artists, always supportive, helpful, inspiring, and supremely talented. In her role at the Artisan Center, she would stop what she was doing to take me through the exhibits she had curated, pointing out what she found special in each piece. I never tired of talking art with her. To say that Gwen and her contributions to the arts will be missed is a vast understatement. Please know that her memory will endure. My sincerest condolences to Rob, Matt, and all Gwen's family.

Lucinda Sutton

July 17, 2021

Gwen was an inspiring artist who appreciated new ideas and new visions. Working with her KY Artisan Center Gwen renewed my love of all things artistic. I so enjoyed talking to her about pottery and mixed media, she was so knowledgeable. Her son, Matthew would visit regularly after school and you could feel the love and support she gave him. Matthew was a joy to talk to, even at that young age. During set-ups for special events, Gwen would take time to talk to visitors to answer questions and response to perhaps, new interests from people she would not meet again. I am sorry the world has lost another good soul but I am a more knowledgeable and appreciative person for knowing Gwen.

Max Keller

July 16, 2021

Rob & Matt,
My heart hurts for you. Gwen was such a special person & I am so grateful to have been not only her friend but also your friend for 24 years. The first time I met her was when I took my first pottery class with her, it was an immediate friendship. Matt was still in the playpen & she brought him with her to the gallery/shop. Several years later I was doing another pottery class with her & we were working on putting cup handles on mugs which I was terrible at. So I conveniently took Matt to get an ice cream & of course when we got back the handles were done & quite beautiful and we laughed about it. . I have so many wonderful memories of my friend. This past year I watched as she bravely fought her battle with Cancer. She was so very brave!l! And she never ever complained. I am so thankful for all of those days & hours we spent together both laughing & crying. I will forever cherish my memories & friendship with Gwen. I know she is now making amazing art while sharing her beautiful soul somewhere over the horizon. During this time of loss may you find comfort & peace in knowing how much she dearly cared for you. She will forever be in our hearts. Max

Bob Dern and Liz Jones-Dern

July 16, 2021

Our hearts are broken, but we were blessed to have known you for over 35 years. We share the same wedding anniversary and we will always remember your beautiful wedding. We will miss you. Know that you will be forever in our hearts. Enjoy your next adventure. We love you.

Linda Klein

July 16, 2021

I am so sad to hear this. I first met Gwen in the pottery studios at U of L. Then she joined our international folk dance group until she left Louisville. I remember visiting her once while she worked at the Berea Artisan Center. We lost touch until by chance, right before the pandemic, we sat next to each other playing fiddle in a jam at the Lexington Old Time Gathering. I introduced myself, and we were delighted to reconnect again in the wonderful world of old time music (we didn´t recognize each other at first). My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.

Fred CULBERTSON - 507 Hiawatha Trail, Georgetown KY 40324

July 16, 2021

I did not know Gwen but met her some 40+ years ago when she rented a house on the bank of the Big Sandy next door to my Aunt Myrtie Davis in Prestonsburg. Just a couple of weeks ago I texted Gwen after receiving her phone number from someone at the KY Artisan Center. I mentioned to Gwen how my Aunt Myrtie considered Gwen to be a pioneer of the Women´s Liberation Movement in the 70s and Gwen responded with kind and fond memories of my Aunt Myrtie. My mother had bought a small bowl Gwen had made. I have it now and it reminds me of the wonderful relationships my mother had with her sisters and the wonderful people we knew in Appalachia, their home. My sincere condolences to Gwen´s family for their loss and my sincere thanks to them for the wonderful gifts Gwen shared with the world.

Kathleen Purcell

July 15, 2021

Robert, Matthew, Gail and Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. Gwen was an immensely kind, caring and talented lady. Gwen touched the hearts of everyone who were graced by her friendship.

Sally Gastineau

July 15, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to Rob and Matt. Gwen was one in a million! I will miss her.

Laura Ross

July 15, 2021

I have known Gwen for forty years since grad school and as she said last week, we were "soul mates " in clay. She knew so much that was meaningful in our field as well as a fine potter, curator, and collector. She was a bright star in the universe and I will look for her "shining" always. I will miss you dear friend. Have a wondrous next journey.

Laura Ross

July 15, 2021

I will miss my dear friend and potter who knew so much about what is meaningful in our field. From graduate school to now , we have been "pottery soul mates" as she said last week. Gwen, you have always been a bright star In the universe and I will look for you always. God speed on your next journey.

Sharon Stevens

July 15, 2021

I worked with Gwen at the Kentucky Artisan Center for several years and enjoyed talking to her about lots of things. We talked about food alot; about travel alot; about her son and my daughter alot; and about life. I will miss her very much.

Mike Savage

July 15, 2021

The staff at WEKU Public Radio offer our condolences to Gwen's family at their time of loss.

Joyce Garner

July 15, 2021

Thank you Gwen . I cherish your role in the arts of Kentucky. Your memory continues.

Mike and Judi Bucci

July 14, 2021

Gwen, your life was a work of art-from the flowers on your Kentucky hilltop to the porcelain that sits in our home in Maryland. Always learning, always looking for new experiences, we are grateful for your presence in our lives

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