Jane Frances Eckles

Jane Frances Eckles, 75, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, June 28, 2024. She was born August 26, 1948, to Eugene and Cecelia (nee O’Donnell) Howe in St. Louis, Missouri. She married Gregg Azdell Eckles on October 21, 1972, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. Louis. Mourning Jane’s passing are her husband of 51 years, Gregg; her daughter, Cecelia “Katie” Eckles (husband Anthony Kink) of Springfield, Illinois; her son, George (wife Catherine) Eckles of Peoria, Illinois; her grandchildren, Brandon Solinap, Genesis Eckles, and Azdell Eckles; a brother, Eugene Howe, Jr; a sister, Mary (husband Steve) Hilke; brothers-in-law Gary (wife Kyra) Eckles and Cary (wife Terrill) Eckles; family friend, Ricky Thomas, whom she considered a son; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Barbara Schweiger; a brother, Bobby Howe; as well as her father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Jean Eckles. Jane worked in banking as an auditor for 20 years, beginning at the First National Bank of St. Louis immediately after graduating from Cleveland High School in 1966. In 1972, after moving to Petersburg, she began at the First National Bank of Petersburg, working there until 1986 when she left to pursue nursing school. Jane fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from the nursing program at Lincoln Land Community College, in May 1988. She spent the next 26 years devoted to the profession, working in the fields of long-term care, med-surg nursing at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, and finally retiring as a public health/WIC nurse at the Menard County Health Department in 2014. She loved listening to music, with Trace Adkins, Andy Williams, and Christmas songs (at any time of year) being her favorites. She was a dedicated “Wheel Watcher” and her family knew better than to call her at 6:30 on a weeknight during Wheel of Fortune. She enjoyed cooking, reading, and crocheting, as well as bowling and playing softball in her younger years. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, this devotion being shared by her son George and son-in-law Anthony. Being her hometown, she took in pride in all things St. Louis. Above all else, she cherished and found the greatest joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she spoiled beyond measure. A visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 4 pm to 7 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 9, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Petersburg beginning at 10 am. Burial will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois, following mass. Those who knew Jane were aware of her unwavering generosity, as she assisted many individuals and donated to numerous causes. To continue Jane’s legacy of paying it forward and honor her passion for nursing, memorial contributions will be used to fund scholarships for nursing students. Donations can be directed to an account set up with the Alliance Community Bank, 321 N. 6th St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Please make checks payable to “Jane Eckles - In Memory of”. Please visit Jane’s online obituary at hurleyfh.com where you may also share memories and condolences with her family. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Jane’s family with final arrangements.

Jane Frances Eckles

August 26, 1948 - June 28, 2024

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