Jean S. Eckhard

Jean S. (Hilts) Eckhard, 69, of Oneida, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 19, 2026.

Jean was born on March 27, 1956, the daughter of Dicin and Virginia (Loveless) Miller. On Christmas Eve of 1975, she gave James R. Eckhard an early present by joining him in marriage in Wampsville. That same year, she graduated from Stockbridge Valley Central School.

Jean had a love of nature and found joy in spending time outdoors, whether she was gardening or camping beneath the open sky. The joy she felt creating life in the garden was reflected in the happiness she found in creating crafts.

She is survived by her loving husband, James R. Eckhard; her mother, Virginia Miller; her children James D. Eckhard of Canastota, and Brandie M. (Jon) Woodcock of Vernon Center; her grandchildren Devin, Gage, Riley, Kyrin Woodcock; her great-grandchildren Dustyn, and Ryker Woodcock; her siblings, Lynn (Fred) Burleson of Dexter, June (Jack) Zopfi of Sylvan Beach, Wayne Hilts of Durhamville, Jackie (Doug) Moot of Munnsville and several nieces and nephews. Jean is predeceased by her father, Dicin Hilts; her stepfather Donald Miller; her grandson Michael James Eckhard; mother and father-in-law Harriet L. and Robert F. Eckhard; sisters-in-law Cassalyn Buell, and Karen Wiggins, and brother-in-law John Eckhard.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with funeral services to follow at 4 PM at the Ironside Family Funeral Homes Inc., 342 Main St., Oneida. Interment will take place in Saint Patrick's Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Jean's memory to American Heart Association or Wander's Rest Humane Society.