Eunice's Obituary
Eunice Luetta (Jacobs) Eckhart was born on November 5, 1923, on the family homestead north of Vida, Montana. She was the second child born to Leonard and Luetta Jacobs. Her mother, Luetta, died 15 days after her birth from complications.
She was raised in Vida, attending school at Hillcrest District 56. She dropped out of High School after the ninth grade, but after 4 years she returned to school to earn her high school diploma.
On October 11, 1944, she met a young sailor, Elmer A. Eckhart on a blind date in Minneapolis, MN. They were married on October 28, 1944, for 44 ½ years when he returned to the Lord. During their marriage they were stationed on both coasts and retired in Great Falls, MT.
Eunice went back to school and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. She worked at Columbus Hospital for several years. After her retirement from the hospital, she was employed at the Montana Deaf and Blind School. She was also a JAFRA Consultant and enjoyed the adventure meeting many new friends.
After their retirement, they traveled the U.S. visiting friends and family. Later, after Elmer’s passing, she traveled to Europe, Ireland, England, and several other places within the US.
Through her life’s trials, her faith has remained her strength. When she was 18 years old, she made her decision to become a Catholic. After some time, she converted her husband to the Catholic faith. She was active in many churches throughout their Navy career. In Great Falls they were members of Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Luke’s, St. Joe’s, and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. She later joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She was a member of Our Legion of Mary for over 50 years and looked forward to participating in the Ladies Wednesday afternoon card group.
Our Mom was truly an inspiration and role model for all of us. We were blessed that God gave her to us as our earthly mother. Thanks, Mom for your many examples of love and charity!
Eunice is survived by her sons, Willard (Sandra), Richard (RaeAnn) of Helena, Bruce (Nancy) of TX; daughter, Mary (Scott) of Great Falls; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren with number 20 expected in January of 2023.
She will be reunited in Heaven with her husband, Elmer; son, Leonard; daughter, Teresa Lockhart; parents, Leonard and Luetta Jacobs; her brother, George; sister- in-law, Erma Jacobs; and stepmother, Evelyn.
A vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on December 29, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The funeral Mass will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on December 30, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
