Arlene Faye Hegwald

Arlene “Abby” Faye (Abernathy) Hegwald started her life journey on January 23, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas. She was the first of five born to June and Arless Abernathy.

She began her education in Topeka and graduated from high school in Yates Center, Kansas. She attended Clark’s Business School in Topeka.

Abby was united in marriage to Ralph Hegwald in 1964 and the union lasted for 58 years until Ralph’s passing in 2022. Together, Ralph and Abby had two boys; Billy, and Kyle.

Abby was a talented artist and seamstress. She could make clothing, quilts, and toys with amazing quality and pristine detail. Some of her doll clothing was displayed in the Smithsonian Institute.

She is survived by her sister, Kathy Lovell, two brothers, Pat and Dennis Abernathy, her two sons; Billy Hegwald (Amanda Klotz) of Chanute, and Kyle (Lindsay) of Owasso. Abby is survived by seven grandchildren who knew her as "Moe": Michael, Tori, Christopher, Russell, Hallie, Parker, and Devlin; eight great-grandchildren, numerous friends and extended family that lovingly knew her only as Abby or Moe. Preceding her in death were her husband, Ralph; father, Arless, and mother, June; a brother, Michael; one Grandson, Andrew; and a great-grandson, Maks.

Cremation has been requested. Services are under the guidance of Wickham Family Funeral Home 500 North Forest Ave. Chanute, Kansas 66720.