Johnnie Marie (Hechler) Little

LA MARQUE - Johnnie Marie (Hechler) Little passed from her life on earth on August 9, 2024, at the age of 88 years. She was born to parents, Mary Tomek Hechler and John Hechler in Clute, Texas. She graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1954 and that summer, married her high school sweetheart, Leon. Johnnie and Leon were married for 53 years before he passed in 2007.

While attending Santa Fe High School in Alta Loma, she was very athletic, playing volleyball and 4 years of Varsity basketball. During her Senior year, it was discovered that she would be short of one credit for graduation. For Johnnie to receive the credit needed, the school offered her an unpaid job coaching the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams. Johnnie might just hold the record at SFHS as the youngest coach hired by the school.

For 42 years, Johnnie was owner/operator of The Little Nursery on the corner of 15th Street and Avenue I. Many children came through her door, and she cared for them as family. She boasted many times that she helped raise half of Alta Loma/Santa Fe.

Throughout the years, Johnnie was active in the VFW Lodge 5400. She was also a Charter Member of the FOE #3789 in Santa Fe, serving as the first Madame President of the Ladies Auxiliary. During the 1970s, Johnnie supported the Santa Fe Band Boosters and held the position of President for several years.

Preceding Johnnie in death is her husband, Leon Little, Jr.; her father, John Hechler; her, mother and stepfather, Mary Hechler Owens and C.W. Owens; brothers, Manuel, R.J. and Eugene; sisters, Margie Whitaker, Anna Mae Prunty, Mary Heygood.

Surviving Johnnie are her daughters, Diana Bartula, Wanda Wagner (Dennis V Wagner, Sr.), and Jayne Little; grandchildren, Amy Rundell (David), Dennis V. Wagner, Jr. (Heather), Brian Clark (Ashley), Jason Wagner, Sr. (Deidre) and Wyndee McGee (Grady); 11 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Angie Gwin and Dot Matejka (Tommy), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as Pallbearers are Brian Clark, Max Rundell, Dennis Wagner, Jr., Jason Wagner, Sr., Jay Jordan and Dennis V. Wagner, III.

Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 12, 2024, with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m., with Deacon Alvin Lovelady officiating at the funeral home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the Hospice Care Team, Bayou Pines Care Center, and Resolutions Hospice for their care and compassion given during her illness.

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