Kay Frances (Robertson) Eckelbarger

Kay Frances Eckelbarger, 86, of Miami County, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, at The Waters of Peru Skilled Nursing Center. Born on March 6, 1939, in Miami County, she was the daughter of Hubert E. Robertson and Mabel Derringer-Robertson-Zdonek. Kay was one of thirteen children and grew up in Peru and Knox, Indiana, where she experienced both the joys and the hardships of being part of a large, lively family. Though many of her siblings later scattered across the country and the world, Kay remained deeply connected to them, cherishing the lifelong bond they shared. For most of her early adulthood, Kay was a devoted stay-at-home mother who poured her energy and love into creating a warm and welcoming home for her husband and children. Behind the farmhouse was a large garden that supplied fresh vegetables, which she later turned into wholesome meals. She canned, baked pies, cookies, and fried doughnuts—treats that became treasured family memories. She was especially known for her homemade noodles and her famous potato salad that no one has been able to duplicate. Kay kept a meticulous household and never failed to prepare three meals a day that her family looked forward to. She always made time for what mattered most: her husband and children, visiting with relatives, and shuttling the kids to Mississinewa Beach nearly every summer day, filling their childhoods with sun-soaked adventures and simple joys. Kay was a hardworking woman—steady, modest, and humble. She was never comfortable accepting praise, preferring instead to focus on the people around her. A giver by nature and a fixer by instinct, she never hesitated to serve others, often quietly stepping in before anyone even knew they needed help. Her capacity to love was immense. Later, Kay worked at American Stationery in Peru, where she retired. Beginning as a printing press operator and then a supervisor, her strong work ethic and sense of responsibility earned her coworkers' respect and reflected the dedication she carried throughout her life. Kay was a devoted member of Peoria Church, and the Peoria Women’s Society. She particularly enjoyed singing hymns during Sunday morning service, reminding her of the church she attended as a child with her siblings. Even as dementia took away her mental abilities, she could still remember the words to all those cherished hymns. Kay is survived by three children: Kimberla (Ray) Hoover, Richard (Edie) Eckelbarger, and Teresa (Karl) Robison. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Melynda (Danny) Gower, Amber Childers, Kayla Robison, Ethan (Kristan) Eckelbarger, Cody (Olivia) Minns, Dylan (Haley) Eckelbarger, Abbey (Brandon) Walters, Wyatt Minns, and Samantha Minns. She was lovingly known as “Mamaw” and “Mimi” to her great-grandchildren: Zakary (Franki) Steele, Nicholas (Aleaya) Childers, Samual (Madicyn) Childers, Riley Eckelbarger, Tristan Minns, Isabelle Minns, Peyton Hartleroad, Luke Robison, Soren Ault, and Oliver Walters, as well as nine great-great-grandchildren. Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Eckelbarger; her son-in-law, Raymond Hoover; her daughter, Lisa Minns; both of her parents; and nine of her siblings. Services for Kay Eckelbarger will be held at Peoria Church (5575 E 325 S, Peru, IN) on Saturday, December 6, with visitation from 11 AM until 1 PM, followed by a service led by Pastor Brian Daniels. Kay’s final resting place will be in Peoria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Peoria Church in memory of Kay.

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