Mary Opal Eckert

Mary Opal (Cole) Eckert, age 72, of (Beaver Dam) Claypool, Indiana, passed away on December 24, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born on November 17, 1953, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Edward and Opal Jean (Fletcher) Cole. 

Mary's life was defined by hard work, compassion, and strength. She began her career in agriculture, planting and harvesting crops with determination, never afraid of long days or hard work. That same dedication carried her to Florida, where she was an equipment operator for roadside maintenance, helping keep the roadways safe for others. However, it was in Respite Care that Mary found her true calling. For over two decades, she devoted herself to providing exceptional, compassionate care within the ResCare community. Her nurturing spirit, patience, and commitment to helping others touched countless lives, offering comfort, and love. 

Her heart was filled with generosity that touched everyone around her. She made friends easily, worked tirelessly, and left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She had a knack for making everyone smile, always sharing a laugh with family and friends.

On January 20, 1973, Mary married the love of her life, Michael Eckert. Together, they shared nearly fifty-three years of love, companionship, and a life rich with laughter, stories, and memorable moments. Side by side, they built a partnership of devotion, resilience, and joy, always finding ways to make life interesting and entertaining.

When Mary returned to Indiana, she and Michael poured their hearts into co-owning the Beehive restaurant in Beaver Dam creating a thriving business. It became a place of family, friendship, and community, especially for the grandchildren, who knew the soda fountain would never run dry as long as Grandma was nearby. Through it all, Mary grew to love the Beaver Dam community, forming lifelong friendships that she cherished dearly.

Mary was the heart of her family and dedicated to her friends, ResCare clients, and her work. She was known for her kindness, strength, and love—always giving of herself to others around her. She provided dedicated care to her mother-in-law and brother-in-law when they needed it most. Shared a sisterly bond with her sister-in-law, and caring for her grandson gave her purpose and his support was a comfort to her. 

Mary cherished her three daughters, each reflecting her own unique journey of strength, growth and love, and to her grandchildren, who meant the world to her, she was nothing short of a hero. She had a special gift for staying connected, always making sure everyone knew they were loved through countless phone calls, heartfelt conversations, and home-cooked meals. Family was everything to Mary. She treasured time spent with loved ones and created memories filled with laughter, love, and togetherness. 

Mary’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the love she shared so freely. Her light continues to shine through her generous donation of life, which stands as a final reflection of the compassion and determination she lived by every day.

The loving memory of Mary will be forever cherished by her friends and family; husband, Michael Eckert, (Beaver Dam) Claypool, Indiana; children, Michelle (John) Souslin, Iberia, Ohio, Melissa Tuttle, Willard, Ohio, Maria (Shannon) Wells, Cardington, Ohio; brother, Paul (Lana) Cole, Willard, Ohio; sister, Lillie (John) Keen, Mount Gilead, Ohio; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and her dog Harley. Mary is now reunited with her parents; sisters, Geraldine Tuttle and Linda Myers; brother Larry Cole; twin daughters, Theresa Lynn and Lisa Ann Cole; grandson, Austin Collins; and son-in-law, Lucas Tuttle and Donny Kilgore.

In honoring Mary, friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life to be held at the Willard Depot, 541 S Main St, Willard, Ohio, on January 31st, 2026 from 5pm to 9pm. 

The family of Mary has entrusted McKee Mortuary with her care and final arrangements. Truly, a friend to lean on during this difficult time.