Loretta Irene Eckert, 89, died April 6, 2007 at the Bent-Wood Nursing Home, Florissant, Missouri, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church. She was given the gift of life December 23, 1917 at Great Bend, Kansas, born the daughter of Harry J. and Katherine M. (Spaniol) Damm. Mrs. Eckert married Ardell Laverne Eckert April 18, 1936 at Great Bend, Kansas. He died October 25, 1978. She was employed by Southwestern Bell Co. more than thirty-seven years, and was a chief operator in Abilene, Kansas, for twenty years. A resident of Hazelwood, Missouri, coming from Abilene and Great Bend, Kansas. Mrs. Eckert was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church; Daughters of Isabella; and ABWA. She was a volunteer at St. Andrew's School, Abilene, Kansas; and a volunteer at St. Martin de Porres School, Hazelwood, Missouri. Mrs. Eckert was the beloved wife of the late Ardell L. Eckert; dear mother and mother-in-law of Harry and Delores Eckert; the dear daughter of the late Harry and Katherine (Spaniol) Damm; the dear grandmother of John Eckert and his wife, Shari; Michele Araujo and her husband, Mike; Chris Eckert and his wife, Brenda; and Patty McGibany and her husband, Jeff. Mrs. Eckert was also the dear great-grandmother of Jordan, Meghan, Alex, Brendan, Morgan, Samuel, Emma, and Amanda; the dear sister of the late Paul E. Damm and the late Aleta Damm; dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Hazelwood, Missouri, with Father Patrick Christopher officiating. A Rosary will be held at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007. Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, Kansas, with Father Reginald A. Urban officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Bryant Funeral Home, with the family present from noon until 2:00 p.m. A memorial fund in Mrs. Eckert's name has been established with Mended Hearts, Chapter 120 or St. Martin de Porres Endowment Fund, both in care of Bryant Funeral Home.