Phyllis Rae Eckland

Phyllis Eckland, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 20, 2024, in Fresno, California , at the age of 90. Born on August 22, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, Phyllis was the middle child of Abe and Belle Kitay. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Lee and Jerry Kitay, husband Dan, and Grandson Nick Eckland.

Phyllis’s life was a testament to love, family, and friendship. She shared over 50 wonderful years with her husband, Dan Eckland, whom she met at a service members dance in San Diego. Their marriage was a shining example of enduring love and devotion until Dan’s passing in 2012 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, deeply cherished by her sons, Mike and Jim, and Jim’s wife, Melanie. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Sheena (and her husband, Ryan), Nick, Kenny, and his fiancée, Myranda. Phyllis was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to Averie and Nicholas, who lovingly called her “GG”. Her family was her pride and joy, and her love extended far beyond her immediate relatives, enveloping friends and chosen family with open arms.

Known for her infectious laughter and warm hospitality, Phyllis brightened the lives of everyone she met. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends, always filled with love, laughter, and good food.

Phyllis attended San Diego State University after high school and later worked for over 20 years for the Fresno County Courts. In her spare time, Phyllis enjoyed playing pinochle and bridge with friends and had a passion for traveling the world with Dan. Together, they explored many exciting destinations including Russia, China, Europe and her favorite city, Prague.

Phyllis will be remembered for her generous spirit, her ability to lift others with her laughter, and her unwavering love for her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched. She was a loving mother, devoted grandmother, doting GG, and a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Chapel Service will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720 at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow at Pardini’s West Shaw banquet location.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Phyllis’s honor. Her kindness, love, and legacy will be cherished forever.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Eckland family.