Dorothy N. Eckert, age 87, went to be with the Lord Monday February 12, 2024 in Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital. Her loved ones are confident that she was welcomed by her son and cherished husband in heaven.
She was born February 20, 1936 in Mansfield to parents Clarence and Eva (Treaster) Fullager. Dorothy graduated from Springfield Township High School (now Ontario) with the class of 1954, and met and fell in love with the man who would change her world while square dancing at Odd Fellows. On July 17, 1954 she married Harold Eckert and spent 62 wonderful years together.
Dorothy was an avid reader, so it was no surprise when she took a position as a librarian. She served as the librarian for Crestview Elementary and Middle Schools for 30 years before her retirement. She continued subbing for the district for 10 years. During her career, she delighted in the many students she was blessed to impact. She had a true love for history, especially the Civil War Era.
Dorothy was a long-time member of Clay Memorial Lutheran Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and was the second woman ever to serve as a council member.
Along with Harold, she was a long-time active member of Grange on both the state and national levels. Dorothy was a state officer serving as program director, lecturer and community service director. Most recently she was a special liaison for the organization. Dorothy and Harold’s position in the Grange offered them many opportunities including travel and meeting with many dignitaries and she also enjoyed portraying Miss Caroline Hall, a niece of one of the founding members of Grange.
She was a warm and caring mother, sharing her love of reading with her children and volunteering to support them as a scouting den mother and 4-H leader. She enjoyed gardening and had the gift of music in her heart.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Loretta (Joseph) Chiko; grandchildren Jennifer (Arthur Jones) Chiko, Brian Chiko, and Kristina Jo Chiko; great grandchildren Penelope Chiko Jones and Menander Chiko Jones, several nieces and nephews, and special friend Pamela (Tony) Hugel and their family, and her beloved cat Roo.
In addition to her parents, and Harold, she was preceded in death by a son Jeffery Eckert.
The Eckert family will receive friends Friday, February 23, 2024 from 3- 8 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, with a funeral service on Saturday morning at 10 am. Pastor Carol Kilgore will officiate and burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Contributions in her memory to Clay Memorial Lutheran Church or the Ohio State Grange may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Dorothy’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home, Marion Avenue Chapel
Website: www.snyerfuneralhomes.com