Willadene Phyllis Eckley

Willadene Eckley passed away July 24th, 2024, in Centerton, AR of natural causes at the age of 96.  Willadene’s journey in life began on November 2nd, 1927.  She was born in Wilcox, AZ and was raised on a cattle/horse ranch outside of Bowie, AZ.  

Her strength of character was developed during that time.  The depression years were difficult, especially on a small ranch.  The ranch house was a small, two bedroom stone house with no electricity or running water.  When she was three years old she went on her first cattle roundup. There was no one to babysit, so she was put on a pony and went with the rest of the family.

During WW II, Willadene worked as a telephone operator in Tucson.  It was there she met a young Army Air Force Sergeant, Everett Eckley.  They were married in May 1945, remaining in Tucson until 1958.  They had three boys, Russell, Vernon and Randy.  In 1958, the Eckley family started a journey that would take them to Nebraska, Alaska, Oklahoma, Illinois, Nevada and Arkansas.

During this time Everett was frequently sent to remote assignments and Willadene served as head of household.  She was frequently observed chasing her children with a comb in one hand and a washcloth in the other. In 1988, they returned to Tucson, where Everett passed away in 1991.  In 2017, she made her final move to Arkansas.  She is survived by two sons, Vernon and Randy, a daughter in law, Joy, three grandchildren: Ben, Matt and Trish and one great grandchild, Stephanie.

Willadene was an amazing person having grown up during the hard times of the depression.  However, Willadene always found time to help others and was known for her generosity and kindness. She was an excellent cook, having put on many a wonderful feast.  She loved gardening but most of all she loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the Lord.  She was an excellent example of a Christian woman.