Eckelberger

Ethel L. Eckelberger, 84, of Freeman Road, Emlenton, Richland Township, Clarion County, went to be with the Lord late Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 20, 2023, at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

Ethel was born in Forestville, Butler County, on June 15, 1939. She was the daughter of the late Herman and Florence Johnston Ward.

A 1957 graduate of Slippery Rock High School, she had been employed for many years as a bus driver with the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District and was a dedicated homemaker. Ethel was later employed as a cashier at Boron Stop 8 in Barkeyville.

She enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, decorating for all holidays — most especially Christmas — gardening and yardwork, sitting on her porch watching the hummingbirds and spending time with friends at Scrubgrass Senior Center. Ethel was a faithful friend and caregiver to many and had a heart for helping others. She had been a longtime active member and treasurer of the former St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg and most recently had been attending the Nickleville Presbyterian Church. Ethel was a longtime member and president of the auxiliary to the former American Legion Post 636 in Foxburg.

Ethel married Ronald E. Eckelberger Jr. on June 18, 1959. Mr. Eckelberger preceded her in death, on Nov. 26, 2017.

Surviving are three children, Cheryl A. Pedersen and her husband, James, of Cypress, Texas, Ronald P. Eckelberger and his wife, Deb, of Franklin and Richard A. Eckelberger of Emlenton; a grandson, James Burns and his wife, Nancy, of Pearland, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Isaac I. and Rachel J. Burns; a sister, Margaret Redfoot of Harrisville; her late husband’s son, Aaron J. Potts and his family; a sister-in-law; a nephew; and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two nieces and a brother-in-law.

ECKELBERGER — A memorial service for Ethel L. Eckelberger, who died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, will be scheduled for May at the Nickleville Presbyterian Church.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of HILE FUNERAL HOME, St. Petersburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Blanket Ministry, Nickleville Presbyterian Church, 169 Valley Church Road, Emlenton, PA 16373.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.