Mrs. Carol A Ecklund

Carol was born in Cicero, IL on July 9, 1934 to Sylvester and Ruth (Nash) Schuler. She had one brother, William J. Schuler. On November 17, 1979, Carol married the love of her life, Clare “Stretch” Ecklund. In 1989 they moved from Crystal Lake, IL to Hot Springs, AR.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her husband and her step-son Gary Ecklund.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-laws Debbi (Daryl) Spencer and Kathi (John) Kottke; two sons and one daughter-in-law Tim (Diana) Stanley and Michael Stanley; two step-daughters and sons-in-law Patte (Tom) Smith and Peggy (Mark) Johnson; one step-son-in-law and step-daughter-in-law Dave (Kim) Mansfield; 27 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren and many cousins. She had two special nieces who were like daughters to her, Alesa (Schuler) Wormell and Lara Schuler.

Carol was a kind and adventurous person who always had a smile on her face. She loved to dance with Stretch. She bowled in many women and mixed leagues. She volunteered for numerous activities in her children’s lives to include Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Little League. Carol had fun volunteering at St Joseph’s Mercy Health Center and CHI St Vincent where she enjoyed delivering the newspaper, talking to patients and composing thank-you cards from the hospital to patients. She was a member of the Women’s Circle at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church which also allowed her to share her passion for cooking and baking. For years she regularly played cards with a lovely group of friends. She had a passion for travel, seeing much of the USA. She also enjoyed visiting Germany, especially the Black Forest region. Carol surprised even herself when she climbed Diamond Head in Hawaii at 79 years old. She also enjoyed cruising with family while learning about the people and cultures of different nations.

A very special thank you to Carol’s many caregivers, in particular Dr. Lynn Cleveland for her truly kind and caring heart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on January 10, 2023 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. George Sanders as celebrant. A Rosary will be said at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Inc. or the Alzheimer Association.

The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.