Dorothy Elizabeth Eckhardt

Dorothy Elizabeth Eckhardt, a life-long resident of Ritzville, died on Mother’s Day, May 10, at the age of 86. She was born on June 27, 1928, to Henry and Anna Benzel, the eighth of their ten children.

Dorothy spent her childhood in the Ralston area and graduated from Ritzville High School in 1946. She went on to attend Morse Beauty School, Spokane, specializing in cosmetology, and graduated in 1947.

Dorothy was married to Virgil Meyer from 1949 to 1972. The couple had three daughters, Gail, Peggy and MaryKay.

She was the owner of Dorothy’s Beauty Salon from 1969 to 1993, when she retired.

Dorothy had a deep-rooted love for the area and its residents. When Dorothy was chosen as Deacon of Visitation at Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ, she would call upon people at Rose Garden Estates, Life Care Center of Ritzville and East Adams Rural Hospital, something she continued as long as health permitted.

Dorothy was active in the Jayceettes, Daughters of Zion, and Eastern Star where she was Past Matron. Through the years, Dorothy dedicated her time to her salon and area residents who were patrons. She was a loyal supporter of all events in the Ritzville community. Dorothy had a very caring and loving spirit with a beautiful smile for everyone.

In 1973, Dorothy married William Eckhardt, the owner and operator of Eckhardt Machine Shop in Ritzville.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; three daughters, Gail Carda of Spokane, Peggy Page of Raleigh, NC, and MaryKay McGrail (husband, William McGrail) of Worcester, MA; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; her sister, Shirley Klein and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at the Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ in Ritzville. Private graveside service for the family will be held at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m..

Memorial donations may be directed to Zion Philadelphia United Church of Christ, 301 East Broadway Avenue, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.