Gladys Lee Eckard

HICKORY---Gladys Lee Eckard, 95, passed away February 12, 2016 at Catawba Regional Hospice. Gladys was born June 1, 1920 in Campbell Co., VA to the late Robert Withers Lee, Sr., and Daisy Lynn Gregory Lee. In Addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rowe Neil Eckard, Sr.; a brother, Robert Withers Lee, Jr; a sister, Mary Burnette and a nephew, Buddy Burnette. Gladys was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA and a life member of the Auxiliary of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. She was also a life member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was awarded Girl of the Year twice. Gladys retired as a secretary from the Lane Co in Alta Vista, Va after 25 years of service. After moving to Hickory, N. C. Gladys was hired by Catawba Memorial Hospital as Director of the Auxiliary. She retired after 15 years of service with perfect attendance. After retiring she was a volunteer for many years at Catawba Memorial Hospital, The Red Cross and nursing homes. Gladys loved to travel, play bridge and many other games. Her favorite games at Kingston were Rummikub and Bingo. Surviving are her step sons, William David Eckard and wife, Sherry of Hickory and Rowe Neil Eckard, Jr. and wife, Jo Ann of Danville, VA; step daughters, Frances Eckard Hogg and husband, Robert of Martinsville, VA. and Suzanne Eckard Perron of Tampa, FL; 11 step grandchildren, 13 step great-grandchildren and 4 step great-great-grandchildren; nieces, Bonnie Finch and Yvonne Burnette Linton; nephews, Frank Burnette and Robert W. Lee, Jr. and a Godchild, Andrea Deal Duggins of Winston Salem. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 1:00 – 2:00 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home. A memorial service will be Saturday, March, 12, 2016, at 2:00 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Duncan officiating. Memorials may be made to the charity of ones’ choice. Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com. Arrangements by Hickory Funeral Home.