Mary Charlene Eckhart

Mary Charlene (Ferguson) Eckhart

passed away in her beloved home on Saturday, June 25th, 2016. Charlene was born November 16, 1929 in Westport, Indiana to Roy and Alice Ferguson. Charlene (Char to her friends) graduated from Sand Creek High School and went on to graduate with distinction from the School of Business at Indiana University. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and was active in campus life at I.U., serving in many organizations, including Student Foundation, Mortar Board and President of the PanHellenic Board. While at I.U. Char made many lifelong friendships. She also met and married her husband of 57 years William F. Eckhart. The enduring friendships Bill and Char had, so many of which dated back to their time at I.U., were a source of great joy throughout their lifetimes. For several decades their fall Saturdays were dedicated to following the I.U. football team with a group of loyal (and often disappointed) supporters. They did, however, take the family to Pasadena, California for I.U.'s appearance in the 1968 Rose Bowl Game.

After a two year stay in Washington, D.C. while Bill served in the U.S. Army, Bill and Charlene returned to Indianapolis. Charlene had a brief career at Inland Container before retiring to become a homemaker and community volunteer. Charlene was involved in Lutrian Club, St. Margaret's Guild, Tri-Delt House Corporation, Northminster and Second Presbyterian Churches, Wyandotte School and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed golf at Meridian Hills Country Club during the summer and vacationing on Sanibel Island during the winter.

Charlene was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She filled the roles of cook, chauffeur, travel director, water ski instructor, doctor, counselor and number one fan. She is survived by her children: sons, Brent Eckhart (Elaine) and Chris Eckhart (Tyleen); daughter, Marianne Eckhart; grandchildren Bill Eckhart (Audrie), Taylor Wilson (Ryan), David Stauffer, Carlene Eckhart, John Eckhart, Daniel Eckhart, Eli Eckhart, Ethan Eckhart and Melaina Eckhart. Charlene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Eckhart, brother Marvin Ferguson and sister, Joyce Fields.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who attended to mom so lovingly in the last days of her life, including Cheri, Kelsey, Katie and Alexis.  We are forever grateful to Dari Stutzman who was mom's best friend and companion the past two years during the struggle with Alzheimer's and cancer. The care and joy Dari brought to Charlene's life were a blessing.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 28th at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St., from 4:30 until 7:00. Charlene's funeral service will be on Wednesday, June 29th at 1:00 at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, with calling in the parlor prior to the service beginning at noon. Burial will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.