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May C. Eckhardt, age 100, of Sturgis, passed away Friday morning, January 20, 2023 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born May 15, 1922 in Chicago, daughter of the late William and Minna (Sengabush) Heurich.
May resided in Sturgis for the past 82 years coming from Chicago.
On May 17, 1947 she married Richard F. Eckhardt in Sturgis. He preceded her in death January 4, 1976.
She owned and operated Upholstery by Me and had been employed by Gullen Appliance, Mayer Gift Shop and the Singer Sewing Machine store, all in Sturgis.
May was an active longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis where she was a Deacon; past president of the Women’s Association and participated in Bible study groups.
She was a founding member of the Sturges Young Civic Players and was the assistant to Miss Madeleine Murphy School of Dances many productions and recitals. She also held memberships in the Sturgis Womans Club, Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW Auxiliary and Neuman Wenzel Post #73 American Legion Auxiliary.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading, sewing, cooking, and entertaining. May loved time with her family especially during holiday gathering and events.
She is survived by her daughter: Elizabeth (Darrel) Peugoet of Sturgis; sons: William (Bambi Herman) Eckhardt and Stephen (Heather) Eckhardt, both of Sturgis; grandchildren: Skip (Stacey) Brenneman of Sturgis, Kerri (Bryan) Bradley of Naperville, Illinois, Rudy (Therese) Eckhardt of Mission Viejo, California and Tamara (Doug) Restivo of Hamilton; great grandchildren: Morgen Brenneman of Portland, Oregon, Ryan Brenneman of Kalamazoo, Matthew and Michael Bradley of Naperville, Illinois and Degen Eckhardt of Mission Viejo, California; Nephew: Rudy Heurich of Sturgis; niece: Sandra Birdwell of Searcy, Arkansas and many great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother: Erich Heurich; sister: Edna Scott; nephew: Conrad Scott and niece: Gretchen Kuhlman.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Eckhardt’s memory consider Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
