Verda L. Heckathorn , 78, of 24 Cochran Drive, New Castle, entered into rest the morning of August 14, 2010, at her residence.Born April 16, 1932 in Springdale, PA, she was the daughter of the late John and Sara Mildred Mershimer Turner.She married her husband of 54 years, Earl R. Heckathorn on December 23, 1955. He survives at their residence.She was a graduate of Harlansburg High School and Slippery Rock Teachers College. She was a school teacher prior to becoming a homemaker.Verda was a member of the Jameson Junior Guild. She also enjoyed counting cross stitch, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Disney World but her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren.She was a member of the Second United Presbyterian Church where she served as a past deacon.In addition to her husband, Verda is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Robert Wigg of Edinburg, PA, and Juli and David DiCola of Beaver, PA; and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Nicholas Wigg of Edinburg, PA and Marisa and Michael DiCola of Beaver, PA.In addition to her parents, Verda was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Joseph Turner.Visitation will be Monday, August 16, 2010, from 5-8 p.m. and Tuesday, August 17, 2010, from 10-11 a.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA 16105.A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Andrew Jillson will officiate. Burial will be in Unity Baptist Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1100 Liberty Avenue, Suite E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.