Avis Eckel

Avis Eckel, 86, longtime resident of Mitchellville, died Friday, December 16, 2011, in Denton, TX. She had been ill several months, suffering from cancer.

From 1967 to 1990, Avis was with the Stoner Broadcasting System corporate office, first in Des Moines and then in Annapolis, Maryland, where she retired as vice president for finance, and board member. After retirement, she moved to Denton with Rudy, her husband of 58 years. He preceded her in death in 2006, as did her parents, William and Elizabeth Van Dyke.

Avis is survived by her children, Diana (David) Neff of Princeton, Janice Rasmussen of Indianola, and Bruce (Brenda) Eckel of Denton; grandchildren, Brianna, Clayton, Miranna, and Joshua Eckel, and Amy Rasmussen; sister, Laurie Van Dyke; close friend, Kris Kristoferson; and a host of other family and beloved friends.

During her Des Moines career, Avis served on the boards of Stone Crest and Home Plan Savings & Loan. In 1971, she was charter president of the Des Moines chapter of Executive Women. She was elected in 1961 to the first board of education for the Southeast Polk School District, serving on the board for nine years, as president in 1964.

Avis was born March 28, 1925, in Prairie City. She lived much of her life on a farm near Mitchellville, which was operated by her father, and then her husband.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at Mitchellville Christian Church, 210 3rd St NW, with burial to follow at Mitchellville Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars, 9379 NE University Avenue, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327, (515) 967-4294, or Mitchellville Christian Church, 210 3rd St. NW, Mitchellville, IA 50169.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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