Mary Joanne Eckman, 85, of Columbia, passed away on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at home following a long battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late Clarence E. Eckman, Jr., to whom she was married for 47 years before he passed away in 2002. She was born in Penn Twp. in February 1933 on her grandparents' farm and was the daughter of the late Elmer and Irene Kreider Ehly. Joanne was employed at ITT Valve, Lancaster for 42 years in the Finance Department before she retired in 1996. She greatly enjoyed being an Avon lady for 22 years before retiring because of her health. She was a graduate of Columbia High School, Class of 1952 and a member of Washington Boro United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Joanne enjoyed watching TV, especially the Hallmark Channel, game shows, including the Price is Right, cooking shows, and also enjoyed gardening flowerbeds, walking, and taking her grand-dogs, Shelby and Shadow, for walks.
She is survived by her children: Debra (Dave) Hamilton, Wrightsville, David (Rose Marie) Eckman, East Prospect, and John (companion, Susan) Eckman, Sr., Columbia. 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. One brother: Robert Ehly, York and one sister: Linda Mullikin, Manheim.
The Funeral Service will be held at Washington Boro United Methodist Church, 1964 Water Street, Washington Boro on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Carlene Wolf officiating. Interment in Washington Boro Cemetery. Friends may call at the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., 31 South Eighth Street, Columbia on Tuesday from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. and also at the church on Wednesday from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, visit: Workmanfuneralhomes.com