Cathy Marie (Heady) Picker, 72, Belle, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, at Gasconade Manor Nursing Home in Owensville, while surrounded by loved ones.
She was born Aug. 2, 1950, a daughter to the late Thomas Heady, Jr. (Tom, Jr.) and Faith (Skouby) Heady in Washington.
She was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Picker, Sept. 22, 1967, at the First Baptist Church in Belle. Cathy was a proud mother of three boys Mike, Chad, and James; mother-in-law to Kristin and Oukham; and grandmother of four Meghan, Emma, Matthew, and Meredith.
Cathy was a 1968 graduate of Maries County R2 Belle High School. After graduation, she attended Lincoln University where she obtained a B.S. in Education on July 27, 1975. Cathy became an elementary teacher at Maries County R2 Belle in 1980 and retired in 2006. Most of her time was spent as a 3rd grade teacher where she shaped hundreds of young minds and impacted their lives, including teaching second generations.
After retirement, Cathy volunteered at the Maries County Historical Society and conducted extensive genealogy research for a Heady family book project. She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, antiquing, traveling, and being a grandmother. She enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2011, she became a full-time caregiver for her first granddaughter, Meghan, daughter of Chad and Kristin. She continued to be a caregiver for her first grandson, Matthew (2013) and Meredith (2017). Also, she enjoyed receiving visits from James’ daughter, Emma (2012), and would travel to Olathe, Kan. to visit her frequently.
Cathy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and family-oriented individual. She loved her family very much and will be missed greatly by them and anyone who knew and loved her.
She was also preceded in death by grandparents Oscar Thomas Heady, Sr. and Ida Mae (Curtman) Heady, Chris Skouby and Norah (Brinkman) Skouby, and step grandfather Walter Brinkman.
She is survived by husband Bob; sons Mike, Chad and wife Kristin, James and wife Oukham; grandchildren Meghan, Emma, Matt, and Meredith; and brother Kevin Heady.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the First Christian Church, Belle, with Kevin Runge officiating. Interment was in the Pilot Knob Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Maries County R-2 Schools Community Care fund in Cathy’s name. The school will accept cash or a check written to “Maries County R-2 Schools” and have “lunch donation” written on the memo line. The funds are used to help feed local students.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.
