Leona Marie Eckert, 84, of Elkhart, walked on to the next journey of her spiritual life on Wednesday August 24, 2016 at the Center for Hospice in Elkhart. The Wakarusa native was born April 3, 1932 to William E. & Edith (Hunsberger) Marks. Leona graduated from Wakarusa High School with the Class of 1950 and on July 3, 1955, she married Kenneth E. Eckert Jr., her true & eternal love. Leona embraced life and accomplished much. She celebrated her Native American Heritage as a member of the Saponi Nation of Ohio and she greatly loved animals, which she affectionately referred to as her "doggies" and "Kitties". Leona worked as a Nurse''s Aide at Elkhart General Hospital, as well as in a greenhouse, in housekeeping at Hubbard Hill, in a dry cleaning store, and as a Teacher''s Aide at Jimtown Junior High School. In addition to her parents, Leona was also preceded in death by siblings, Donald Devon, Clyde Francis, Lowell Ray and Willis Leroy Marks; Ethel May Hahn, Ruth Fay Davidhizer, Grace Evelyn Davidhizer and Joan Edith Marks. As Leona continues her new journey, she leaves Kenneth, her beloved husband of 61 years; their children, Linda (Travis) Casper and Daniel Eckert, both of Elkhart; her sister, Lois Hahn of Goshen; grandchildren, Katlin & Joseph, and her "grand-dog" Dante. Funeral Services 10:30 Saturday August 27, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3415 Pleasant Plain Ave, Elkhart with calling in church for one hour prior to services. Calling also from 4-8pm Friday in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. To leave a remembrance of Leona or to offer condolences to her family, please visit us at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.