Helen Eckley

Helen was born to Alice Fern Richardson Martin and Walen Lenol Martin in Ogden, Illinois, on October 7, 1925. She spent most of her childhood in Illinois, where some of her fondest memories were forged with her beloved Shetland pony and best friend, Teddy, who kept her good company as they dreamed together in the violet fields of her uncle’s farm. She graduated from Danville (Illinois) High School and completed her nurse’s training at White Cross Hospital in Columbus. Helen had a long and committed nursing career that included service at North American Rockwell and at Ohio Bell, both in Columbus. In 1955, she married Richard McCoy Eckley, who passed away in 1979. They made Bexley their home and had three children—John, Alicia, and Rick—who were Helen’s greatest treasures.

Helen was a strong woman, hardworking and dedicated to both career and family. She was loyal to those she loved and made it a point to give more than she received. She was dignified in dress and demeanor and was known to some as a “grande dame,” even as she retained the humble simplicity of her farm-girl upbringing. Helen had a deep, abiding love of poetry, which began early in the two-room schoolhouse of her childhood. She wrote and recited poetry with great passion. Helen was also an Anglophile and lover of Plantagenet history. Books were her great companions. In retirement, she volunteered at the Grandview Library, which she considered a second home. Helen was a cherished member of her faith communities at both Bexley United Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church in Grandview.

Helen is survived by her three children; daughter-in-law Diana Ballon; grandchildren Antonia and Felix Eckley, who brought her great joy in her later years; cousins Michael Sisinger, Judy Waggoner, and Betsy May; three nieces; and one nephew.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association (honor.americanheart.org/goto/HelenEckley).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schoedinger Northwest Chapel. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.