Dorothy Rudesill Eckles, born in New Castle on May 16, 1924, daughter of the late Louis G. and Elizabeth Hart Rudesill, died on May 13, 2009 at her home.
She is survived by her husband, William G. Eckles II, her son, Dr. Robert A. Eckles II, daughter, Julie B. Eckles and their respective families including Robert's wife, Jeanne and grandchildren Frances Mae and Freeman William of New Paltz, N.Y. and Julie's husband Nicholas B. Wedeman and grandson David Lucas of Arlington, Virginia. Sibling survivors are Patricia R. Vitello, wife of Edward, York PA; Robert Rudesill, Stamford, CT; and James Rudesill, husband of Shelia, Myrtle Beach S.C. She has several nieces and nephews and was preceded in death by three brothers Frank, Eugene, and John and a sister Betty Lou Rudesill.
Following her graduation from Union High School in 1942, she continued her education at Youngstown College (now Youngstown State University) earning an associate degree in Secretarial Science.
At the time of her marriage to William Eckles II, on January 22, 1954, she was an executive secretary in the general offices of Universal Rundle Corporation but left that position to become a full time homemaker. She returned to the workforce in 1979 and retired from Eckles Architecture in 1993.
During her life, Dorothy Eckles, was active in her community through a variety of volunteer work including, Meals on Wheels, St. Francis Hospital, New Castle Community YMCA Board of Directors, and the Hoyt Center of Fine Arts. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for more than 55 years and served on various committees, the Board of Deacons, and was a member of the McIlvain Guild for many years.
Although she was a life long resident of New Castle, Dorothy Eckles and her husband were intrepid travelers. In addition to many overseas adventures, they visited 49 states at least twice as they traveled throughout most of North America, some of it on their bicycles or cross country skis. They enjoyed camping, canoeing, exploring back country roads and discovering new cultures and foods on the other four continents they visited.
At home, Dorothy Eckles excelled at many hobbies and was known for her green thumb in the garden, her talent as a seamstress, and her pursuit of the perfect hand of Bridge, to name only a few. The love of classical music followed her all her life and she was truly grateful for the sacrifices her parents made to cultivate this interest.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, New Castle, on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Dr. Raymond Hylton, pastor, officiating.
Following the service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 4900 Hopyard Rd., Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94588. Email address is www.ovarian.org.
Arrangements entrusted to the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 West Falls St., New Castle.