Eileen Eckels

Eileen M. Eckels, 94, of Mansfield, died July 20, 2015. Eileen, or "sis" as her family called her, was born on May 6, 1921 to Raymond J. and Lillian (Hartford) O'Leary in West Point, Nebraska. The family relocated back to the Mansfield area and increased in size to include eight children.She attended St. Peter's Catholic School. Eileen had a great work ethic and continued to get down on her knees and scrub her kitchen floor until she was 93. She was known for her dry sense of humor and love of family.

Four brothers preceded Eileen in death: Edward, twins Roy and Raymond "Mick" Jr., and Jack. One sister, Betty Jean Bautz also preceded her in death, leaving behind Helen Phillips of El Cajon, California and Lillian "Peggy" Edmonstone of Florida, both surviving. Eileen married Howard William Smith on February 14, 1942. They had one daughter, Kay Ann Smith Pittenger Orsborn. Howard was killed in a WWII airplane crash in 1945. Kay survives her mother along with her four daughters, Susan (Clarence) Mayhugh, Deborah (Neal) Havener of Columbus, Donna Merrick of Sacramento, CA, and Kim Orsborn of Colorado and two granddaughters, Lillian Merrick of Sacramento, CA and Sienna Brooks of Colorado.

Eileen married Richard Henry Eckels on November 3, 1956. They had one son, Richard Terrence "Terry" Eckels, born October 15, 1959. Her husband preceded her in death in December 2005 and son Terry passed away on August 1, 2014.

Also surviving are her grandson, Brian (Nikki) Eckels and great-grandson, Phoenix Eckels of Cleveland and numerous nieces and nephews, scattered throughout various states. A special niece, Linda Bautz McKenna, resides in Mansfield and is noted for her kindness and caring!

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 24, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Mansfield Memorial Park. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.