Dorothy Jean Eckert was born on October 15th, 1943, to Walter R. Williams and Marie R. Williams (née Kara) in East St. Louis, Illinois. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the age of 81, she was placed in God’s loving hands. She was surrounded by her four sons and her daughters-in-law in her final moments. Dorothy was a strong spirit, full of love and laughter, and a fiercely dedicated mother, grandmother and nurse. She was well loved by all who knew her, including her friends, co-workers, patients, and especially the children she assisted in surgery.
Dorothy lived in Evansville, Indiana, to be near her youngest grandchildren after retiring from a 50+ year nursing and anesthesia career. Prior to moving to Evansville, she worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, and Arkansas. She was always proud of her work as a CRNA and her pride formed a core of her identity.
Dorothy joyfully shared her deep love of family with everyone she met. She always spoke of her boys with pride and joy, celebrating who they were, all they achieved, and the remarkable fathers and men they became.
Dorothy had a special way of making others feel loved. She found joy in both giving and receiving hugs, using them as a way to connect with her children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, offering comfort, warmth, and unconditional love.
Dorothy was an avid reader, loved to cook and would host and coordinate parties for many. Her baking and family recipes were loved by everyone. She was also well known for her homemade crafts. When her boys were younger, Dorothy served as a Cub Scout den leader and even organized week-long summer day camps.
Additionally, Dorothy donated to numerous charities that were meaningful to both her career and family. Her generosity, kindness, and unwavering support for others will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Throughout her life, Dorothy devoted her time and resources supporting causes that were close to her heart.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents Walter R. and Marie R. Williams (née Kara), her sisters Marie A. Arcynski (and husband Jim), Dola M. Peters (and husband Marvin), and her nephew Bradley J. Arcynski.
Dorothy is survived by her adoring and supporting sons:
Grant Eckert and wife Amy of Conroe, TX
Kurt Eckert and wife Linda of Evansville, Indiana
Brett Eckert of Richmond, TX
Scott Eckert and wife Jessica of Fayetteville, AR
Grandchildren:
Forrest Eckert, Hunter Eckert and wife Kelley, Kara Stone (née Eckert) and husband Thomas, Anston Eckert, Landon Eckert, Michael Eckert, Alara Eckert, and Ella Eckert
Great grandchildren:
Rhett Eckert, Cayson Eckert, and Brooks Stone.
Nephew:
Brian Arcynski and wife Chris Ann of Trenton, IL
Niece:
Linda Kraft and husband Scott of Fairview Heights, IL
Charlene Arcynski of Lebanon, IL
In accordance with Dorothy’s final wishes, the family has chosen to hold a private celebration of life in the near future. For those moved to honor Dorothy’s legacy, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis Missouri. Please choose to support The Barnes-Jewish College Heroes in Training Scholarship Fund in memory of Dorothy Williams Eckert. This foundation was very near and dear to our sweet Dorothy.
Franki and Khrys McKinney says
My deepest condolences to Brett Eckert and the entire family of Dorothy J. Eckert. May sweet memories comfort you at this time.
Gurdev Bhogal says
So sorry for your loss Brett and the Eckert family. Our sincere condolences from across the pond 🌷
Sandy Hamilton says
Dorothy and i met in 1988in bay city, Texas at Cub scouts ,since that.s what our sons were doing at that time. She and I became bsa officials and did crafts plus summer camp…my favorite was pot luck soup : every scout brought a canned food that was added to the soup pot. That concoction was camp lunch that day. She was a practicing CRNA and I was in nursing school…she was a WONDERFUL tutor when I needed extra help studying ! My first rx phone order for a laboring patient, came from dorothy and she taught me how to write it correctly. As the years went by, we stayed in contact with each other ,so n 2017 when I needed a spinal surgery, she was the 1st one I called for a 2nd opinion !!! I will certainly miss her and swear to remember EVERYTHING that she taught me. RIP, DORO !!!! 🌷🪻🌷🪻🌷🪻
Jean Wibbing says
Dorothy was such a loving and caring individual. She would do anything for anyone with no questions asked or nothing expected in return. I worked at the same surgery dept in fort smith ark with her. Everybody there loved Dorothy. She surely has been missed since moving to Indiana. RIP Dorothy