May 8, 1935 - April 23, 2024
Donna Mae (Boyer) Eckles, 88, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed peacefully from the loving embrace of her family to her eternal rest, on April 23, 2024, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha.
Donna was born to Don T. Boyer and Daisy Boyer Baggstrom on May 8, 1935 in Glenwood, Iowa. Donna was raised by her grandparents, Sam and Amy Boyer, and lived in Glenwood until her marriage to Kenneth Eckles in 1952.
As a student at Glenwood High School, Donna excelled in music as a flautist in Orchestra, a vocalist in chorus and in smaller choral groups, a soloist in musical theater and pianist in all disciplines. Donna also loved to “strut her stuff” in Marching Band as a Majorette.
Donna was a devoted and loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and granddaughter. Her priority in life was “Family First”. Her marriage of 71 years with Kenneth produced 5 children, 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Donna was a dedicated “stay at home” Mom and who despite 9 major relocations in 45 years, always kept a warm and caring home for her family where ever she landed. When her youngest child left for College however, Donna felt a need to spread her wings and took a job with Brandeis Stores as a sales Associate. A job that lasted 19 years and included 3 corporate mergers. At retirement Donna had worked Brandeis, Younkers, and Carson Pirie Scott. At CPS Donna also worked for Liz Claiborne as an in-house merchandiser.
Donna is survived by her husband, Kenneth; daughters: Kathryn Weins of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sherill Cackin of Omaha, Nebraska, and Susan Eckles of Saint Louis, Missouri; son, David Eckles of San Francisco, California; granddaughters: Julie Reineke (Jim, Children Matthew and Sarah), Katie Hansen (Daniel, Children Jude and Zachary), Lisa Oldakowski (Craig, Children Klara and Amelia), Kelly Cackin (Son, Greyson Cox), and Tam Weins (Children Conner, and Logan); grandson, Michael Willson (Kayleigh, Children Cole and Lane); sister, Connie Hestness; niece, Deb Waring (Mark, Children Ryan and Colleen); nephew, Don Moore (Cheryle); and brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Nancy Criswell.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Don T. Boyer; mother, Daisy Baggstrom; grandparents, Sam and Amy Boyer; daughter, Bethany Willson; sons-in-law, Jeff Willson and William Weins; grandson, Daniel Weins; sister, Patricia Moore; brother-in-law, Merrill Moore; and sister, Carol DeWiit Price.
A Celebration of Donna’s life will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, 1pm to 3pm at the Braman Funeral Home, 6505 South 144th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests donations to the Nebraska Humane Society at 8929 Fort Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68134.
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that the Family thanks the exceptional staff and volunteers at AseraCare Hospice and the Josie Harper Hospice House for their warmth, compassion, and tender care of Donna and family members during Donna’s final days with us.
CELEBRATION OF DONNA'S LIFE: Friday, May 10, 2024 at 2:00pm at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel)
GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Friday, May 10, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel)
INTERMENT: Private
Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel)
6505 S. 144 St.
Omaha, NE 68137
402-895-3400
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