Steven McKinley Monroe

She was the youngest of six siblings born to Harry A. and Mada Klein Eckert. She was born May 18, 1923 and grew up on a farm during the Great Depression. The values Mary learned during the time period followed her throughout her life.

She graduated from Biglerville High School Class of 1940. Mary met her husband of 59 years, Robert C. Hoover, on a blind date December 6, 1941 – the evening before Pearl Harbor was attacked. They were married September 26, 1942. She relocated to Lakeland, FL with her husband and two children in 1953.

She was an expert at crafts, sewing, and quilting. Mary supplemented the family income for many years through the craft sales. She did not work outside of the home until her children were in school. Upon entering the work force, Mary was employed at the Lime Street Elementary lunchroom, Ross of Florida, W.T. Grant’s at Grove Park, and retired from Teltronics/Brand Rex as the shipping and warehouse manager after fifteen years. She is a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church where she made many close friends throughout the years.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Mada and Harry Eckert, Biglerville, PA; husband Robert C. Hoover, Lakeland, FL; sister, Mable Baldwin, Phoenix, AZ; brothers: Edwin Eckert, Biglerville, PA; Frederick Eckert, York, PA; Harold (Ike) Eckert, Chambersberg, PA; John Eckert, San Diego, CA. Grandson Jonathan Anderson; Nephews Douglas Eckert, Dave Eckert, and Larry Eckert all from PA.

Mary is survived by her son Daniel R. Hoover (Harriette); daughter Jane Hoover-Odom (Ron); grandchildren Angela Anderson, Carrie Bonner (Chris), Steve Odom (Andrea), Aaron E. Feliu (Javier); and great grandchildren Jeremy Tyler Anderson (Emily), Brett Odom, Dominick Pickles, and Alina Odom. In addition, Mary is survived by a number of nieces and nephews residing in PA who visit her on a yearly basis.

Mary was truly one of the people Tom Brokaw refers to as the “Greatest Generation”. She will be cherished in our memories and dearly missed.

The Visitation (10AM) and Memorial Service (11AM) will be held Monday January 12, 2015 at the Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home 2198 K-Ville Ave. in Auburndale, FL with internment at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Good Shepherd Hospice https://goodshepherdhospice.chaptershealth.org/GeneralDonation .