Eckels

Barbara Ann (Rock) Eckels, 78, of Slippery Rock, passed away peacefully Wednesday Aug. 27, 2025, surrounded by family.

She was born June 10, 1947, in Butler, to the late Michael and Margaret (Ballon) Rock.

Barbara graduated from Butler High School in 1966 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in safety management from Slippery Rock University. After dedicating many years of service, she retired in the 1990s from the Emergency Management Agency of Butler County. She also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, with the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department and worked with Butler County Hazmat, always passionate about helping others in times of need.

A lover of travel, shopping and family, Barbara cherished the moments spent with her children, grandchildren and grandpets. She was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend who will be remembered for her kind heart, strong spirit and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Barbara is survived by her children, Donna (Bill) Ridenour and Jeffery (Kristin) Dittmer; grandchildren, Gordon Brown (Ridenour), Sara Ridenour, Mikaela Ridenour, Masen Dittmer and Brycen Dittmer; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one niece.

Her legacy of love, service and dedication to her community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

ECKELS — Family of Barbara Ann (Rock) Eckels, who died Wednesday Aug. 27, 2025, will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. A blessing service will be led at 2:30 p.m. by Father Sean Francis, of St. Faustina Parish.

Memorial donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company & Rescue Team, 162 Elm St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

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