Mary Ann Ecker

Mary Ann Ecker, 80, of Churubusco, IN, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born December 30, 1942, in Convoy, OH, the daughter of James Wesley and Helen Mae (Fegley) Gaskill.

She graduated from Monroeville High School, class of 1961 and moved to Fort Wayne working initially for Hutner’s Paris, a downtown department store. Mary Ann then worked at Magnavox/Raytheon for 38 years and retired in 2002. She took great pride in her work for her department and was well suited for her role given her strong organizational abilities. In addition to working full time, she loved raising her daughters and spending time encouraging development of their hobbies. Summer vacations included camping and trips to various historical US cities. Mary Ann’s zest for life was illuminated during these adventures.

After she retired, she spent much of her time enjoying what she truly loved. She enjoyed nature and spending time outdoors, tending to her garden and flowers. She found joy caring for her horses, cows, cats, and dogs with her husband. She tended to the birds that visited her on the farm and liked to sit and watch them interact. She loved to play cards with her friends, sharing food and laughs. Other hobbies included reading, sewing, fishing, dancing, and singing. Her gift of song started when she was little and stayed with her to the end. Her true passion was being a wife, a mother and grandmother. Her love of God and Christ guided her life, and she treated all those she met with compassion and kindness. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents James and Helen and four siblings: Richard Gaskill, Johnny Gaskill, Billy Gaskill and Sheri Gaskill.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband of 51 years, John Ecker of Churubusco, IN; daughters, Elisa (Tom) Lass of Hinsdale, IL; Michele (Brian) Gibson, of Columbia City, IN; and her grandson, Wesley Burcham.

The world became brighter the day that Mary Ann was born. She had a kind and generous soul that touched so many and will be sorely missed. A private celebration of life is being arranged by the family and will be held at a later date. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.mccombandsons.com