Ardath Eichler

1923 - 2026

Ardath Eichler, 102, of University Place, WA passed away March 3, 2026 in Chelan WA. She was born May 28, 1923, in Yakima, WA, to Fred and Hattie Broetje.

Ardath grew up on a farm and graduated from Yakima High School and Yakima Business College. In 1944, she married Ernie Eichler, and they made their home in the Tacoma area. During World War II, she served as a secretary to the president of the railroad at Lakewood Navy Base. She later worked in real estate with John T. Steward Realty of Lakewood.

In 1969, Ardath joined the staff at Lakes High School, where she worked in the main office until her retirement in 1988 as an associate librarian.

In 1979, Ardath and Ernie moved to Olympia and built a waterfront home. She was an active volunteer at St. Peter Hospital from 1990 to 2001 and a member of First United Methodist Church of Olympia. She also participated in the Tacoma Daffodilians (1989–1994) and was a member of the Olympia Garden Club.

In 2001, she moved to University Place and continued volunteering at St. Clare Hospital until 2008. She continued to live independently in her own home until late 2024.

Ardath is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Doug Gibson) Hageman; her son, Gary (Jeanne) Eichler; grandchildren Zachary Eichler, Kira Schmeling, and Justin Hageman; and great-grandchildren Leah and Hope Schmeling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Eichler, and her sister, Penelope Briggs.

A celebration of life will be held April 18 at 12:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Tacoma Humane Society, First United Methodist Church of Olympia, or Lakewood Historical Society.