Frances E. Eckel

Frances E. Eckel, age 85, of Bloomington, formerly of Pontiac, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 5:15 p.m. at Goldwater Care in Bloomington, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Calvert and Martin Funeral Home in Pontiac, IL. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to the time of the service also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac. Reverend Gretchen Stinebaugh will be officiating. Memorials in Frances' memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriner's Children's Hospital, or to the Vermillion Players Program in Pontiac, IL.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of the arrangements.

Frances was born on February 21, 1938, in Pontiac, IL, to Earl "Gordon" and Mildred "Ellen" (McCoy) Graves. She married William "Bill" Eckel on March 26, 1955, in Pontiac. He preceded her in death on August 13, 2020.

Survivors include her children: Cheryl Starker of Pontiac, IL, Trish (Gary) Alcorn of Normal, IL, Suzann (Dennis) Locke of Bloomington, IL, and Lisa (Greg) Colanto of Joliet, IL; one sister-in-law: Carol Graves of Pontiac, IL; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother: Warren Graves, and two grandchildren: Heather and Jason.

Frances attended and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. She had several jobs over her lifetime that she enjoyed. She was last employed as a Pharmacy Tech. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Frances enjoyed singing, chimes, crossword puzzles, Scrabble, reading, and shopping. She took pride in keeping an extremely clean and immaculate house. She loved her family and friends dearly and was a wonderful and caring mother, grandmother, and friend.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Goldwater Care and OSF Hospice in Bloomington for their exceptional care for Frances.

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