Dorothy A. Eckel

Dorothy A. Eckel, Newton Twp., died Wednesday evening at her home. Her husband of 55 years was the late Fred W. Eckel, who died in 1992.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late John and Ethel Stevens Boettger. She worked for over 47 years for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , retiring as manager of the Scranton Office, Bureau of Employment Security. While there she inspired and encouraged many people to persevere and live up to their potential. She was a proud member of Countryside Community Church and Hickory Street Presbyterian Church. She was a graduate of Central High School and Lackawanna Business College.

She and her husband, Fred, loved to travel and visited all 50 states, as well as Europe. Dorothy was the matriarch of Fred W. Eckel & Sons Farms where she will be deeply missed by all of those who were involved in the farm. She was a warm and loving friend to everyone she knew. Her son would like to thank Dr. Ruppenthal and her caregiver, Josie Sands, for the compassionate care they gave Dorothy.

Surviving are a son, Keith with whom she resided, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Frederick Douglas who died in 2006; a brother, Robert Boettger; and a sister Thelma Boettger, as well as her step father William Swineford.

The funeral will be Monday at 10:30 am, preceded by calling hours from 9:00 am until the time of the service, at the Countryside Community Church, 14011 Orchard Drive, Clarks Summit, with services by Rev. Dr. J. P. Duncan, pastor.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 8 pm at the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home & Cremation Svc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Interment will follow in Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy's name may be made to Countryside Community Church Building Fund.