WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ilda G. (Ditlow) Ecker, age 86, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village following a lengthy decline in health.
She was born in Mendon, Michigan on February 16, 1927 the daughter of the late Joseph Allen Ditlow and Ellen Marie (Romans) Ditlow.
Ilda traveled extensively and resided in Michigan, Massachusetts, Texas, Hawaii, Alaska, and Arizona. She was a homemaker and worked as manager of the Jane Sturges Memorial Home, a cook & baker for Sturges Young Auditorium, Sturgis High School, and Wellesley College in Massachusetts as well as Thrift Store manager Ft. Richardson, Alaska (Army).
For years she was an active member of Girl and Boy Scouts, Sturgis High School band parent, Sunday School teacher, an NCO Wives Club officer and member, Swinging Seniors and the Christian Women’s Club. She volunteered for the Sturgis Hospital Popcorn Guild, Fairview Nursing Home Auxiliary, and the Sturgis Historical Society.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory two daughters: Joanne (Jody) Evans and Connie Batten; a son-in-law: Richard Batten; 9 grandchildren: Jennifer (Paul) Schramm, Rebecca (Lee) Hilligas, Archie Batten, Amy (Jeff) Gest, and Abraham (Hannah) Batten; a great-grandchild: Isaiah Batten; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
She was preceded in death by parents, son: Rollie, four sisters and three brothers.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, at the Hackman Family Funeral Home – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331.
Services celebrating the life of Ilda G. Ecker will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Rev. Calvin J. Kolzow Jr., officiating.
Graveside services and interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery in Colon, Michigan.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Ecker’s memory consider Heartland Hospice, 8075 Creekside Dr., Portage, MI 49024 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
