Kelly Ann Bates Eckert

Kelly Ann Bates Eckert, 64, of Hanahan, SC, widow of Wayne Eugene Eckert, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 11:00 am at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church in Hanahan.  Farewell will follow at Eccles United Methodist Church in Huger, SC.Kelly was born April 22, 1960 in Charleston, SC. The daughter of the late Charles Edward "Punkey" Bates and Sharon Rose Kilkelly Bates.  Kelly loved her family, and her family deeply loved her. She found joy in cooking and her beloved pets.  She graduated from Hanahan High School in 1978, and she received an Associate Degree from MUSC, College of Allied Health Science, Dental Assisting program.  She had a 14-year career working for Dr. Dennis Gazes and ended her career at the Medical University of SC. She is survived by her stepson, Wayne Eugene Eckert III (Ashley) and her grandchildren, Joseph Eugene and William Tyler.  She is also survived by her mother Sharon; brother Dennis Robert Bates (Karon) of Summerville, SC; sisters Mary Elizabeth Bates-Strauss of Hanahan, SC and Tracy Lynn Bates Marquis of Huntersville, NC; nieces and nephews Dereck Bates (Melissa); Kacey Bates Bowen (Alan); Christopher Bates (Lauren); Paige Strauss; Caroline, Camryn and Addison Marquis.Although Kelly's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will stay with us forever.  May her memory be a blessing for all who knew her.