Marie Eckart Obituary
Marie Eckart, 104, of Gravois Mills, Missouri, passed away on August 5, 2026.
Born to Noble and Elza (Elsie) White on May 19, 1922, Marie spent her early years in a vibrant farmhouse in Boonville, Indiana. A middle child of 6, Marie grew up running through fields, climbing trees, and making hideouts in the barn. In her early adolescence, struggling with the Depression, Marie’s family followed work to Kansas City, Missouri. It was here that she met her husband, Carroll Otto Eckart. They were married when she was 15, shortly after Marie’s father passed away.
Marie and Carroll stayed in the Kansas City area and welcomed two children, Larry and Carol Jean, before moving to Gravois Mills. Marie worked at Silent Unity for nearly 30 years before making her living as a hairstylist, operating her own shop, ME’s Beauty Salon, out of her garage. In addition to work, Marie enjoyed a variety of hobbies including gardening, sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, and hosting.
Marie never met a stranger she didn’t welcome or a person she didn’t like. She proudly opened her home to anyone who passed by, from family to neighbors, customers to strangers. Marie welcomed everyone with a smile, a cup of coffee, and a slice of her world-famous chocolate cake or cherry pie. Happiest surrounded by family and friends, Marie took great joy in hosting large gatherings. She was regarded as “grandma” by nearly everyone who met her, and she would happily extend the honor of being one of “her kids.” She spent many happy days playing board games, fishing, baking pies and cakes, and laughing around the table with those she loved.
Marie was a role model for living a happy life. She saw the good in every situation, and chose joy and kindness in the face of hardship. Her light touched so many.
In her 104 years of life, Marie proudly welcomed four generations of kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids into the world. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all those who she raised, welcomed, and touched in her life.
Marie is preceded in death by husband Carroll Otto Eckart, parents Noble and Elsie White, and siblings Ves White, Elwood White, Ruth Glover, and Perry White. She is survived by sister Betty Rownd, children Larry Eckart and Carol Jean Talbot, and numerous other family and friends.
Graveside services and interment will be held in the Garber Memorial Estates Cemetery in Laurie, MO, on Thursday, August 27th at 1:00pm.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.
