ROCHELLE — Velma J. Eckhardt, 71, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, surrounded by her loving family.  Velma was born July 17, 1945 to Hughie and Beulah (Smith) Brown in Greeneville, Tenn. She married Robert E. Eckhardt on Dec. 3, 1966 in Rochelle and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Velma worked for Caron International.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Velma is survived by her husband, Robert E., of Rochelle; two children, Robert W. Eckhardt and Matthew (Terre) Eckhardt both of Rochelle; brother, Dennis (Linda) Brown of Greeneville, Tenn.; sister, Patricia Browning of Rochelle; five grandchildren, Austin, Alex, Aidan, Hunter and Aubrie Eckhardt; two nieces, Victoria McKinsey and Charity Jordan; nephew, Kenneth (April) Brown; four great-nieces and nephews, Nicole McKinsey, Stephanie (Cody) Chandler, Miranda Swift and Austin Brown; special friend, Joan (Ron) Bakken; and very special young man, Ryan.
The visitation will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth Street, Rochelle. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 at the funeral home with Pastor Doug Cowan officiating. Burial will follow the service at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.
Memorials may be made to the family. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.