Mrs. Eckert worked as a bookkeeper for the S.S. Kresge Company before her retirement. She was always involved in civic and church activities, serving as a member and past president of the Henry Raab Grade School PTA and den mother for the CUB Scouts. Shirley was a committed member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, for 84 years. Always active in the church, she served as a beloved Sunday School teacher for 57 years, a member of the Christian Education Board for 10 years, taught bible study for 20 years, and spent 10 years volunteering for SHARE food.
Shirley Ma was famous for her baking. Her specialties included chocolate marshmallow cake, cheesecake, and sugar cookies. Later in life, she developed a card ministry and sent countless greeting cards to fellow parishioners, family, and friends. Ma was never short of words, found something in common with everyone she met, never raised her voice or had a mean bone in her body. Shirley Ma taught her family about religion, giving back to others, and the importance of community involvement. Her family gained strength through her faith in God and strong work ethic.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert H. Eckert, whom she married on June 7, 1947, and who died on September 3, 2001; her parents, William and Anna M., nee Ruettel, Frech; sister, Virginia E. Osborne; and nephew, Robert Osborne II.
Surviving are two sons, Michael H. (Jean) Eckert and Mayor Mark W. (Rita) Eckert, both of Belleville, IL; six grandchildren, Dr. Matthew (Carly) Eckert of Tacoma, WA, Brian (Kati) Eckert of O’Fallon, IL, Beth (Scott) Jacob of Fairview Heights, IL, Kate Eckert of Belleville, IL, Luke Eckert (fiancee, Erika Roche) of Belleville, IL, and Lucy Eckert of Belleville, IL; three great-grandchildren, Andrew Eckert, Samantha Jacob, and Cooper Eckert; sister-in-law, Betty Eckert; special cousin, Gay Eckert; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville or to St. Paul’s Senior Community. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2016, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2016, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Drew Kramer officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.
Condolences Left For Shirley Eckert
Dear Mark und family,
sad news came over the ocean. Let us express our sorrow for the loss of your mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.
Renate & Wolfgang Stueken
Renate & Wolfgang Stueken, Paderborn, Germany, 33106
Mayor Eckert I’m sorry for the loss of your mother.
Stewart Lannert, Belleville, Il, 62226
We would like to express our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with you.
Bill and Pat Biehl
Bill and Pat Biehl, Belleville, Illinois, 62221
Sorry to hear of your lose Mike and to your family just remember that your mother will remain with you always your a good and helpful man a servant in helping others God Bless!
kathy mcdade, belleville, IL, 62226
Dear Mark and family,
I am sorry for the loss of your Mother. She sounds like and amazing lady who lived life to her fullest and best and gave more than she took.
Mary Fischer, Huntsville, AL, 35803
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Shirley Eckert. My condolences to the whole Eckert family. She was a wonderful woman.
Kay Bowman
Belleville Philharmonic
Kathryn A. Bowman, O’Fallon, Illinois, 62269
Dear Mark and family,
it is with much sadness that we hear of your mother’s passing.
Also on behalf of the board, the members of the German-American Friendship Society Paderborn-Belleville and the mayor of Paderborn, Michael Dreier, we want to express our sympathies.
She was an admirable spirit with so much energy for many causes.
May the memories of happy hours passed with her be a comfort for you.
Heiner, Gabi, Kilian and Richard Sprenkamp, Paderborn, Deutschland, 33104 Paderborn
Mike and Mark and families
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother, she was a great lady. Due to illness we were unable to attend her service.
Sis and Ron Blaes
Sis and Ron Blaes, Swansea, Il, 62226