Eloise J. Eck, 85, long-time resident of Springfield, IL, went home to be with the Lord, April 1, 2016, peacefully in her home.

She was born May 22, 1930, to Anton and Mary Hjort and raised in Assumption, Illiopolis, and Raymond, IL. Eloise was a graduate of Raymond High School, Class of 1948.

She was married to Edward J. Eck for 62 years until his death in 2013.  Together they raised nine children.

Eloise is also preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Leo, Marie, Teresa, Catherine, John, and Maurice.

She is survived by sons; Edward, Joseph (Marie), Stephen (Pam), Jerome and Mathew, all of Springfield, Ted (Talitha) of Salt Lake City, UT, daughters:  Constance Berthold (Paul) of Charlotte, N.C., Jeannie Sollie (Steve) of Minneapolis, MN,  and Carolyn of Springfield; 14 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and two step grandchildren;  She is also survived by sisters: Rita Tucker, O'Fallon, MO, Dorothy Hebert, Lake Station, IN, and Patricia Kniepman, St. Louis, MO; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A strong Christian woman, Eloise's greatest joy was raising her nine children and supporting them and her grandchildren in music, dance, sports, and academics. She was a talented seamstress, quilter, cook, and flower gardener.  Her gift of hospitality touched many lives.  She loved sharing with others her faith, family, music, and the beauty of nature.

She and her husband, Edward, were avid big band dancers, founding members of the Church of St. Jude of Rochester, IL, and original supporters of the Friends of The Prairie Stars Soccer Program.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, April 7, 2016 at the Church of St. Jude with Reverend R. Dean Probst.  Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central Illinois Right to Life or the Central Illinois Food Bank.