Eck, Eva Thomas (1883-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 24 Mar 1960 p. 8

Birth date: 1883

text of obituary:

MRS. EVA THOMAS ECK

Mrs. Eva Thomas Eck was born Dec. 2, 1883 at Moundridge, Kansas, a daughter of Jacob P. and Eva Thomas. After a short illness our beloved mother and wife departed this life March 10, 1960 at the home in Newton, Kan., reaching the age of 76 years, three months and nine days.

She spent her early life at Moundridge and also received her early education there. In 1893 the family moved to Oklahoma, settling on a farm north of Ringwood.

On April 12, 1903 she was baptized upon the confession of her faith by Rev. John Ratzlaff and received as a member of the New Hopedale Mennonite church of Meno, Okla. She remained a faithful and devoted member of this church until her family moved to Newton in 1948, and on May 1, 1949 she transferred her membership to the First Mennonite church of Newton where she remained faithful and loyal until her departure from this life.

On Sept. 10, 1905 she was united in marriage to Peter H. Eck who was teaching school in the community. The first years of married life were spent on a farm at Ringwood. During the years from 1907 to 1911 the family pioneered at Coy, Okla.

On Sept 4, 1955 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with the family and friends.

Her whole life was centered around the family. Her devotion was such that no sacrifice was too great for her husband and children. During her illness she expressed a longing to go to her heavenly home to be with the Lord and Maker, and now her wish has been fulfilled.

She was preceded in death by two sons, John and Cornelius.

She leaves to mourn her departure her devoted husband, Peter H. Eck; five sons, Albert of Wichita, Daniel, David, and Otto, all of Newton, and Joe of Meno, Okla.; three daughters, Martha, Mrs. Alva Buller of Peabody, Kan., Margaret, Mrs. Eldon Schmidt, and Marie, Mrs. Roscoe Becker of Newton, Kan.; five daughters-in-law and three sons-in-law; 17 grandchildren; eight brothers and sisters, Mary, Mrs. Pete Jantz of Halstead, Kan., Susie, Mrs. Abe Smith, John, Cornelius and Henry Thomas, all of Ringwood, Okla., Mrs. Lizzie Unruh of Lamar, Mo., Caroline, Mrs. Ben Smith of Newton, Kan., and Daniel Thomas of Canton, Kan. – The Family.