Sally Hecox

Sally Hecox obituary, Traverse City, MI

Sally Hecox

Sally Hecox Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 13, 2023.
Sally Lou Hecox, 85, of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on August 11, 2023. She was born on January 19, 1938, in Saginaw, Michigan. Sally was a loving and generous woman who lived life to the fullest, always putting the happiness of others before her own. Her spunky and courageous nature endeared her to all who knew her.

Sally had a fulfilling career, serving as the Pageant Director for Miss Auburn, the Coach for the Westernettes (pom-pom) at Western High School, and working as a Medical Assistant in Rheumatology. She excelled in these roles, showcasing her organizational skills and compassion for others.

In her free time, Sally enjoyed various hobbies including scrapbooking, knitting, and camping. She especially loved spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bringing joy to their lives. Additionally, Sally had a knack for keeping her husband, Keith, busy with various projects around the house.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband, Keith Hecox, and their children: Terri Kerr (husband Mark), Scott Haenlein (wife Linda), Jamie Lange, and Holli Short (husband Tony). She was also a cherished grandmother to Nathan, Christy, Andrew, Heather, Erin, Samantha, Peter, Austin, and Kylee.

Sally was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd LaFleur, her mother, Betty Thompson, and her sister, Judy Whyte.

In honor of Sally's memory, the family kindly requests that loved ones write a short memory and/or leave a photo to share on the memorial page or on Facebook. This will serve as a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.

May Sally's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Sally Hecox's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 27, 2023

Kathy Feinauer posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2023

Phil-Anne Krogman posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2023

DeAnn Little posted to the memorial.

Kathy Feinauer

August 27, 2023

Holli, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a great lady and she was a big influence in my life. Prayers for comfort for you and your family.

Phil-Anne Krogman

August 20, 2023

Terrie, Scott & Jamie and your families; I am so sorry to hear of your mother´s passing. I know you will miss her dearly. The Lord be with you. Cousin Phil-Anne Krogman & family.

DeAnn Little

August 16, 2023

We will forever cherish the time we spent with Keith and Sally at the campground at Coldwater lake. One of our fondest memories was when everyone would get together Labor Day weekend and make their favorite homemade soups. We would spend this time at Keith and Sally´s camper. Always spent with love and great conversation. You will be dearly missed,Our deepest sympathy. Sending lot´s of prayers and strength to you Keith and Family
Mark,DeAnn, Doug, Sandy

Terrence P. Kelly

August 16, 2023

Verry Sorry!

Vonny VanWert

August 15, 2023

Keith, Holli & Family,

Sally was a loving, giving person and friend, who loved her family more than life itself.
I had the pleasure of calling her my friend. We knew each other threw camping together for many, many years.
Sally, you are leaving a void in my life but I feel blessed for having known you.
Keith, you will miss her fiercely but carry on. She is in a better place, cherish the memories!
Rest in Peace Dear Friend.

Vonny

Mike Sutkowi

August 15, 2023

In sharing memories, I will miss the homemade fudge you always made for me during deer season. I also remember the day we brought you day Lillies of different colors to add to your garden. Your smile was huge when they bloomed for you. Rest in peace Sally.... You will be missed!!

Mike and Rose Sutkowi

August 15, 2023

Heaven has gained another angel! Prayers to the family who will miss her every day. Condolences to Keith and your family.

Lynn Nowak

August 14, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all the family. Terri I will always remember when your mom would come to town and I would get a chance to see her most of the time only for a few minutes but she would always make me laugh. I know she will be missed.

Joe Luczak

August 14, 2023

To many of us who went to Western she was our school Mom. She was a very dedicated and talented lady who put her heart into everything she did. She was our coach for the guys dance line for Celebration all of my four years at Western High School. She would challenge us guys and we would deliver results. I know we were never easy on her but everything would always turn out amazing. One year she dared us guys to try out for Westernettes and six of us guys did and we had to learn all the routines and had to go through try outs too. We even spent extra time with the girls to learn the dance moves because we were not going to let our Sally Mom down. She installed great values in many of us and always saw our hidden talents and demanded results. To many of us she was our second Mom. My heart goes out to Holli, husband Keith and all of the family. May our fly high Sally.
Joe Luczak.

Sue Haas Bourcier

August 14, 2023

As soon as my brother told me Sally had passed, her laugh and fond memories came flooding in, Keith & Sally and their kids were so fun to grow up with, my mom and dad were so lucky to have them as friends . My thoughts and prayer are with Keith and your family.

Meredith Wipping Jameraon

August 14, 2023

Mrs. Hecox was the embodiment of a strong, smart, passionate and generous woman. As a coach, albeit a different sport, I try to model my coaching style after Sally. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dee Wyzkiewicz

August 14, 2023

Mrs. Hecox will forever be in my memory as my Westernettes coach. She was a great inspiration and made my high school years so memorable. Thank you.

Dee (Hebel) Wyzkiewicz

Steve Lange

August 14, 2023

Sally will certainly be missed by family and friends. She was the bond that made her family what it is. Holidays won't be the same without her. Rest well.

Judy Williams

August 13, 2023

Dear Keith and family,
I had the privilege of knowing Sally and spending many years with her and our mutual friends at the Miss Michigan Pageants in Muskegon. Sally was always the busiest, but also the friendliest person. So many memories that I will keep forever.

So very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Judy Williams

Anastasia Baker ( Stacey)

August 13, 2023

Sally truely was an inspiration to me. She pushed me further and further to believe in myself and what I could accomplish. I had the joy of competing in 2 pagents with her. I didn't even sign up for them. She signed me up and told me to show up at this place one night for a meeting lol. Plus being on the Westernettes was very very hard work but she always had a way of making those long rehearsals fun. I am sure she is in heaven having a ball teaching some group a new routine. Bless her and her family. What a wonderful and lovely woman that inspired many.

Theresa (Marlinga) Baker

August 13, 2023

How do I even begin to pay tribute to this amazing woman? She was my pompon coach in high school, kickline Director for WHS Celebration, Executive Director for the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program when I competed and throughout my year of reign as Miss Auburn, including when I competed at Miss Michigan. She continued to be a part of my life, as she was one of my mom´s best friends (there´s no doubt a party going on in heaven where these two are finally reunited), and my sister was/is best friends with her daughter, Holli. I would not be the person I am today, without her mentorship, guidance and influence.
Sally, you taught me so much more than dance routines, poise, grace, stage presence and confidence ... you taught me life lessons ... Thanks for the wonderful memories! I´m so very grateful to have known Sally, and blessed to have her in my life!
Prayers for her family and loved ones, as they grieve the loss of this beautiful lady.

Heidi Haas Ingle

August 13, 2023

I´ll always remember Sally in a bikini drinking a coke laying in the sun with my Mom Marilyn Haas up to Rifle river camping ! Her laugh was the best! Memories of my parents with kieth and Sally and their kids camping trips are my fondest! Rest in peace " hope she´s on a beach with my mom

Sharon Wenz

August 13, 2023

Sally and I have been friends for close to 40 years. We've done many things together. We directed and produced the Miss Auburn Pageant together. We went to the Miss Michigan Pageant together for years and always had great times. One great memory was driving to the Miss America Pageant in our van with two other ladies-what fun. Sally had such a passion to help the girls in the pageants. Because of Sally, I always put make-up on every morning, even now! We have laughed together, cried together, traveled together, even shared the same hotel room many times.
In the last few years we have not seen each other as much but have had many lengthy phone calls. I am so thankful I and Ron were able to stop and visit with Sally and Keith just a month ago. Always so fun to see them.
I am so blessed to have had Sally as a great friend. Will immensely miss you forever. Love Sharon Wenz

Richard Haas

August 13, 2023

I am sorry for the loss Of Sally. She was a wonderful lady who was there for my family during the passing of my father Richard Dick Haas. With out Keith and Sally I don't think the Haas family would have gotten through that tragic time in 78 .I will never forget.

Tuesday (Sanchez) Hampton

August 13, 2023

Mrs. Hecox, I can't call her Sally, bec
ause she is forever in my heart my Westernette coach. A great motivator, friend and human. She made my high school years some of the best of my life. Great memories from a great woman. Thank you.

Kelli (Talicska) Turner

August 13, 2023

Spunky, dedicated, loyal, and fiercely a friend. Sally, we will all miss you dearly and we thank the Lord for your unwavering presence and love in our lives. There was no one like you and the world was better with you in it! To her beautiful family.... all my love and hugs and I wish I could be there to deliver the hugs in person.

Kristi (Talicska) Van Wormer

August 13, 2023

Sally was a wonderful role model and mentor to so many young women, myself included! She coached me to find confidence in grace during some of my most formative years. I will forever be grateful to her for that gift, which has served me well through my adult years. She also gave the BEST hugs and had the best laugh. Her legacy will live on through countless strong, successful and powerful women who are all undoubtedly making a difference in this world!

Dianne Williams

August 13, 2023

Sally was the best Pom Pom coach. We always had fun and great instruction. Dianne (Krzyzaniak) Williams

Lori Hoevemeyer

August 13, 2023

Sally truly made you feel special in each and every way! You surely listened when she had a thought or idea. I will miss hearing her voice. Love Lori H (Wenz).

Theresa Marlinga-Baker

August 13, 2023

How do I even begin to pay tribute to this amazing woman? She was my pompon coach in high school, kickline Director for WHS Celebration, Executive Director for the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program when I competed and throughout my year of reign as Miss Auburn, including when I competed at Miss Michigan. She continued to be a part of my life, as she was one of my mom´s best friends (there´s no doubt a party going on in heaven where these two are finally reunited), and my sister was/is best friends with her daughter, Holli. I would not be the person I am today, without her mentorship, guidance and influence. I´m so very grateful to have known Sally, and blessed to have her in my life!
Prayers for her family and loved ones, as they grieve the loss of this beautiful lady.
So much love & respect for my `second mom´!

Austin

August 13, 2023

Grandma was the sweetest woman, and went above and beyond to people please. We called her a "food pusher" because she always made sure everyone was good and full. I will miss coming over and being handed a Hershey's candy bar (and maybe a $20 bill to boot). I'm also going to miss our annual Super Bowl party. She got to see her beloved Tom Brady win many times, much to my chagrin. Love you forever grandma

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August 27, 2023

Kathy Feinauer posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2023

Phil-Anne Krogman posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2023

DeAnn Little posted to the memorial.