Arlene Eccardt, 81
Funeral services for Arlene Eccardt, 81, of Gainesville, were held May 5, 2023, in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel in Gainesville with Wayne Stewart officiating. Burial was at Smith Chapel Cemetery.
She died May 2, at Hospice of the Ozarks Hospice House in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She was born Jan. 8, 1942, in Rockbridge, to Fred and Ella (Hensley) Smith.
Arlene was a 1960 graduate of Gainesville High School. After graduating, she moved to St Louis to find work.
She married Roger Eccardt on April 11, 1964. The couple raised their two sons, Brian and David, while working and enjoying life together until Roger’s passing in 1997.
Upon retirement, Arlene moved back to Gainesville where she spent much of her time volunteering and helping her church family and friends in whatever capacity was needed. Arlene loved her family, going to church and working in her yard. She took great pride in decorating her house and especially loved decorating for Christmas. But, for all who knew Arlene, knew that her true passion was shopping… clothes, shoes, anything. You name it, Arlene loved shopping for it. She was always ready for an adventure and was as spunky as they come. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.
Arlene is survived by two sons, Brian Eccardt and wife Sherry of Pevely and David Eccardt and girlfriend Jonell Brugnone of Eureka; one grandson, Josh Eccardt and wife Amanda; two great-grandchildren: Tatum and Cameron; and her sisters Gavaughna Smith of Gainesville, Evalle Young and husband Ralph of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Doris Coatney and husband Denny of Gainesville and Delores James of Gainesville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ella Smith and her husband, Roger Eccardt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smith Chapel Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.