Marilyn Jane (Wehler) Eckert, 68, of 195 McKennedy Road, St. Mary's, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday May 11, 2017 following an extended illness.

She was born on January 30, 1949 in St. Mary's,  daughter of Miriam Smith Wehler, who survives of St. Marys and the late William Wehler.

Marilyn married the love of her life, Kenneth James Eckert, on July 26, 1969, who survives.  Together, they raised four wonderful children, Mark (Nicky) Eckert of and Chad (Kim) Eckert, both of St. Mary's, Dr. Jill Eckert Stager (Thaddeus) of Hershey PA and son Jeff Eckert who preceded her in death on December 13, 2009.

Marilyn is survived by nine beautiful grandchildren: Justin and Sydney Eckert, Chloe and Colby Eckert,  Jeff "J.D."  Eckert Schaut of St. Mary's, and Thaddeus, Cianna, Tessa, and Trappe Stager of Hershey; her seven siblings: Sr. Marian Wehler of Oil City, Denny (Mary Lou) Wehler, Ed (Sharon) Wehler, Steve (Molly) Wehler, Janet (Mac) Reed, all of St Mary's, Betsy (Joe) Azzato of Russell, PA and Kathy (John) Bloom of Winchester, VA.  She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Jamie (Wilson) Eckert Schaut and her husband Derek, their children Jonathan and Aubrey, along with many nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers and relatives who all loved her so dearly. 

Marilyn most rewarding job was raising her four children.  She was also employed by Keystone Carbon Company, Ames Department Store, Drs. Alfieri and Babin, Drs. Sorg and Cienciva at Keystone Medical and retired from Penn Highlands Healthcare.  She was a member of Queen of the World Church, the Altar Rosary Society, and would willingly volunteer her time whenever or wherever needed.

Marilyn's was a loving and gentle person with an endearing love for children and babies. She enjoyed crocheting, reading detective novels, playing cards, growing flowers, and her home; most of all,  she enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved  us all unconditionally.  She was a fighter and our hero in dealing with her illness over the past 2 1/2 years. Marilyn will be missed by everyone who knew her and loved her so much.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Marilyn J. Eckert will be celebrated on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 12:00 PM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Jeff Noble, Pastor, and Rev. Eric Vogt, OSB, as Concelebrants.  Interment will follow in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Community Nurses, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857 or to the Hahne Cancer Center in DuBois, PA.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, 15857 and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com