Virginia “Ginnie” Eckert was born on March 17, 1925, in St. Louis, the daughter of August and Adele Anderson. She was the 9th of their ten children and has been proceeded in death by all of her siblings and their spouses. She bypassed the sixth grade and graduated from Southwest High School in 1942.
Ginnie married Edward Eckert on April 26, 1947. He preceded her in death on March 25, 1992. They raised their family in Belleville, Illinois, in South St. Louis in St. Cecilia’s Parish, and finally in Affton. She was a member of Seven Holy Founders Church in Affton for fifty-five years where she volunteered in many ways through the Sodality of Our Lady and in the SHF 50+ Club.
She worked at Ralston Purina following high school as a comptometer operator and took a college calculus class at Washington University. As a young mother, she worked Broad Dugan Paint Company, traveling by bus and partnering with a neighbor for child care while earning $1.25 an hour. In the mid-60’s, she worked at Bettendorf’s Grocery and learned to drive the family Volkswagon micro-bus while her husband, Eddie, spent long periods in the hospital. Beginning in 1971, she worked at J.C. Penney, retiring in 1991. It remained her favorite place to shop until the recent pandemic.
Ginnie always had a passion or a hobby to fill her time. Over the years, she enjoyed bowling, decorating cakes for her grandchildren, baking cookies and her infamous chocolate cake, making her famous Creamette Salad for every family gathering, running her own decorated sweatshirt business, crocheting, making scarves, and traveling with Around Town Tours, often helping organize the trips, playing pinochle and other card games, dominoes, and making and sending greeting cards to family and friends. She was involved in many social organizations including the Red Hat Ritzy Ladies and the St. Louis Widows and Widowers Club. In her later life, she became an avid fan of snowmen and collected hundreds which were on display in her home during the Christmas season. She entertained family, friends, and neighbors with her display, activating all the animated snowmen for their pleasure, and her own! If one attended her annual Christmas party, they took a hand-crafted snowman party favor home with them. Her snowman collection was featured on the front page of the St. Louis County Times in 2009.
Survivors include six children, Nancy (Dave) Willard, St. Louis, Jim (the late Debbie) Eckert, Springfield, Missouri, Larry (Peggy) Eckert, Indianapolis, Indiana, Dennis (Cheri) Eckert St. Louis, Diane (Rich) Liebsch, Atchison, Kansas, and Alan (Debbie) Eckert, St.Louis. Ginnie was most proud of her 17 grandchildren: Amy Willard Top, Mark Willard, Ann Willard Schulte, Kim Eckert, Karen Eckert Worden, Sarah Eckert Moore, Larry Eckert, Mary Eckert DeArmond, Tracy Eckert Wolz, Dan Eckert, Melissa Eckert Nusbaum, Betsy Liebsch Douglas, Cindy Liebsch Cookson, Andy Liebsch, Katie Eckert ,Kevin Eckert and 30 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was granddaughter, Elizabeth Eckert. She was a sister-in-law, favorite aunt, and friend to many.
Due to the pandemic, the funeral Mass will be live-streamed at Seven Holy Founders, December 16 at 10:00 AM. Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Contributions in Ginnie’s honor may be made to the Activities Program at Our Lady of Life Senior Living Apartments, 7655 Watson Road, Shrewsbury, Missouri 63119.
The private Funeral Mass at Seven Holy Founders Church for Ginnie Eckert will be livestreamed at 10:00 am, Wednesday, December 16. www.foundersaffton.org Click to view Livestream.
To the Eckert family: I haven’t seen your mom in many years but have fond memories of her growing up in the same neighborhood. As of late, Larry has told us many stories of mom and it all made sense of how much she loved and how much she was loved, as I read her life’s story. May she now rest in God’s loving arms as a good and faithful servant.
Grandma Ginnie was a very sweet person. Lovely to talk with as we celebrated great grandchildren’s birthdays
She will be missed when we get to celebrate together
What a wonderful lady. Her smiling face and warm heart will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and many friends.
Prayers are with the Eckert family. Aunt Ginny will be missed. God bless all of you in this very difficult time Prayers for peace that surpasses understanding
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. You haven’t just lost your mother, you lost your best friend too. She was a grand lady. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I’m sure Ginnie has a special place in Heaven next to your father.
well the Anderson reunion is now happening. Such a good life she had. RIP Aunt Ginnie.
Love and prayers to all the Eckert family.
So sorry we cannot get there during these times. She was a favorite aunt, and someone we truly loved. The family she created with Uncle Eddy is amazing.
Dear Eckert Family,
My condolences to all. Many times in years past I would help Ginnie in the insurance business. Such a kind & loving lady. I know she will be missed. I will keep your family in my thoughts & prayers.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Eckert family. Ginnie was a very special lady and has touched many hearts. Although not an official Eckert, she always made us feel like we were family. She and Ed raised 6 wonderful children and both were so very proud of their family. Rest in peace Ginnie, you will always be remembered with love.
Jim, we are So sorry to hear of your ..
Larry and Peggy, so sorry for your loss. I never met your mom but she sounds like a wonderful woman and had a great life. You must have been very proud of her.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a remarkable life your mother had. I was moved by the obituary and couldn’t help think that hers was a life well lived. I understand why her son, Larry, is so fun loving and full of life. My sympathy and condolences are with you.
We are very sorry for your loss, Larry. Family time is so precious, & I’m sure your family has many wonderful memories. Prayers for you all during this time.
Jim, Jon and I are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.
My deepest sympathy to you and family.
I am praying for the Eckert family for this time of loss. She was always energetic and full of love. She will be missed.
Prayers to the family during this difficult time. She was one of the best. Always had a beautiful smile on her face. I will for sure miss her laugh. Aunt ginnie will be missed.
To the Leibsch family,
Your mother must have been an extraordinary woman….which I’ve seen in you .
We where at Seven Holy Founders yesterday & I offered up a prayer for the Eckert family.
May she RIP & may you all have years for wonderful memories!!
Christy Stangler
Your mom will be missed! She always had a smile and a funny story to share any time I visited your house. She raised wonderful children and was blessed with many grandkids and greats. She lived a good life on earth.
We are so very sorry for your loss, Al. Your momma always made us feel like such a big part of your family. She always greeted us with a huge heartwarming smile whenever we saw her. Her entire life was amazing and she made your family very proud always. Her light will shine forever and ever.
Our sincerest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful woman, full of strength and goodness. I always enjoyed the stories Diane would tell. She will be sorely missed.
Please know the entire Saint Benedict’s school and community in Atchison are praying for you and your family.
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Nancy, I always enjoyed hearing about your mom’s adventures. I know that you, Al and your families will miss her dearly.
so sorry to hear of your mothers’ passing. My prayers are with the Eckert family and Friends of Virginia.
Prayers for the whole family aunt funniest will be miss there all heaven now having a great Picnic