Mary Elizabeth Eckhoff

Mary Elizabeth Eckhoff, age 86, of Stover, passed away Tuesday morning, June 6, 2017, at the Golden Age Living Center in Stover following a brief illness.

She was born September 18, 1930, in Stover, a daughter of Emil John and Elda Anna Louise Backs Brauer.  She was baptized October 5, 1930 and confirmed April 2, 1944 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stover.

Mary attended High Prairie grade school and was a 1947 graduate of Stover High School.  She attended Central Missouri State Teacher’s college, receiving her teaching certificate and she taught at a rural Cole Camp school.

On September 21, 1957, at the Christ Lutheran Church, Mary was united in marriage to Marvin C. Eckhoff, who preceded her in death June 23, 2015.

As a young woman she worked at Montgomery Wards in Kansas City, before returning to Stover where her cooking talents were displayed.  She baked pies for Kreglinger’s cafe and the Cree Mee located in Stover. She also worked at Nolting’s Department Store and the MFA Exchange, before opening her own licensed daycare, which operated out of her home.  Mary’s talent for cooking led her to open Mary’s Ozark Restaurant, where she served home-style meals for everyone to enjoy.  After selling her own business she went to work at Pioneer Restaurant and Pizza Hut in Versailles. When Marvin and Mary began spending their winters in Arizona, she couldn’t stand the thought of not working, so she found employment at the local Perkins and Dennys restaurants in Bullhead City. She returned to babysitting for two years, in 2015 and 2016, before deciding it was time to retire full time.

She was a faithful, lifelong member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover, where she had served as church organist.

Up until her health recently failed her, Mary had a side business "Rugs by Mary" where she made woven throw rugs, placemats and coasters, which she took to numerous craft shows throughout the state. However, her greatest passion in life came from being with, and caring for her family.  Her door was always open to welcome anyone who stopped by.

Survivors include four children and their spouses, Steven and Debbie Eckhoff; Paul and Debbie Eckhoff and Tom and Debra Eckhoff all of Stover and Marilyn and Jeffrey Maynard of San Antonio, Texas; a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Glenda Brauer of Edwards; eleven grandchildren, Jamie Simon and husband Mitchell, Kyle Eckhoff and wife Raven, Miranda Bolinger and husband Wes, Erin Eckhoff, Victoria Eckhoff, Katie Eckhoff, Karsten Eckhoff, Donovan Maynard, Dasan Maynard, Ashur Maynard and wife Ariel, and Kalen Maynard, eight great grandchildren, Kiley, Jaxon, and Logan Simon, Mason Bolinger, Aviana, Aniah, Ava, and Adion Maynard, her ninth great grandchild, Noah Eckhoff, is due in August, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Alfred Brauer and a granddaughter, Kayla Eckhoff.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover with Rev. Tom Tuura officiating.  Interment will be in the Stover Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Christ Lutheran Church in Stover.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Mary Elizabeth Eckhoff, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Saturday, June 10, 2017 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Christ Lutheran Church 505 West Second Street Stover, MO 65078

Saturday, June 10, 2017 11:00 AM

Christ Lutheran Church 505 West Second Street Stover, MO 65078