Candace Barbara Hecker of Jefferson City, who died on May 23, was born on July 20, 1951 in Richardton, ND, to Leo and Annabelle Stockie. She grew up in Richardton with her three brother and two sisters, then moved to Montana with her former husband (Rick Hecker).
Rick and Candace had two sons (Austin and Aaron) and ended their marriage after 22 years. Candace lived for 26 years in Miles City, where she started a successful health food store that she ran until selling it.
After leaving Miles City, Candace lived in Butte, Helena, and finally Jefferson City. She was a very active and busy person, and she worked at numerous businesses over the years. Full retirement did not suit her well; she needed to be moving and working with people, and after a few months between jobs she was always looking for the next adventure.
Some highlights from her years of working and favorite jobs included:
• Working with the Food Bank in Miles City, helping people in need
• Meeting guests while employed at Our Lady of the Rockies in Butte
• Seeing all of the happy children when she worked at Exploration Works in Helena
• Enjoying the outdoor scenery at Tizer Gardens
• And finally, her time as office manager at the Boulder Monitor, which she frequently said was her favorite job.
Candace was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister Lynn, and her brother Larry. She is survived by her sons, a grandson (Hayden), a granddaughter (Shanda), two great grandsons, her sister Suzie, brothers Dave and Drake, and significant other Dick Culver and his son Beau.
