Dorothy Eckhart
10/22/1928 - 1/23/2022

Dorothy (Humphreys) Eckhart was born October 22, 1928, to John E. and Matilda Humphreys. She was raised with her three sisters in Rexburg, Idaho, and often spoke of the beauty of nature there. The girls began working on the farm with their mother and father at an early age. They were involved in a variety of community activities and assisted with stateside WWII support efforts. Dorothy met John Allen Eckhart while working the concession stand at a rodeo in Idaho. They were later married in the living room of John’s parents’ home in Hondo, Texas, on October 7, 1948. At the time John Allen was a member of the Rodeo Cowboys Association, now known as the PRCA. They traveled to rodeos all over the west. After beginning a family in August 1949, there were fewer rodeos but they both enjoyed the western way of life and instilled that love of the lifestyle in their children. Dorothy was always helping John wherever he needed as he worked many ranches around Southwest Texas. Raising four young boys in addition to ranch work was a huge responsibility and the couple was thankful for family and close friends who helped tame their wild bunch. The extended family gathered often and the boys and their cousins shared in the love of their parents, aunts, and uncles. On February 8th, 1964, John Allen died, leaving Dorothy to raise four boys with a fifth child on the way. Later that year the precious little girl John always hoped for joined the family. Dorothy raised the five children by sometimes working several jobs at a time and with the help of the older boys. Dorothy made summer break special for her family by always saving for trips to Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. She knew the importance of strong family connections and worked tirelessly to ensure those for her children and grandchildren. After raising a family of five, the large brood of grandchildren that would follow became her next project. She took on daycare and babysitting for the ones that lived close by and planned and saved for her extended trips to see those who lived farther away. She eagerly anticipated the reciprocal visits of her sisters, children, and grandchildren. Her grandkids never went without pancakes, peanut butter cookies, and trips to King Burger. There are so many beautiful memories of a strong woman who cared for each of her five children and many grandchildren in special ways. Her dedication to her family never doubted.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, John Allen Eckhart; sons John Dale Eckhart and Ronald David Eckhart; daughter Patricia Ann Kahla; grandson Sgt. Cody Eckhart; and sisters Mary Smith and Donna Moss.

She is survived by sons Gary Eckhart and Byron Eckhart and his wife Gina; daughters-in-law Terri Eckhart and Sunny Brinkerhoff; and sister Bonnie Liljenquist. Her legacy of love for and dedication to family will be carried forward by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville. A graveside service was held Friday, January 28, 2022, at Oakwood Cemetery in Hondo, TX. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Edwards County EMS or the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.

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