Rita Joan Eckelbarger, 88, of Roann, passed away at 4:50 A.M., Monday, July 26, 2021 at Parkview Hospital Randallia, Ft. Wayne. She was born in Eaton Rapids, MI on May 24, 1933, the daughter of Lyman and Mildred Henricks Brechbiel. Rita married Bryce E. Eckelbarger at Mexico Church of the Brethren on March 2, 1958, he preceded her in death on August 17, 2019. Rita was a 1951 graduate of Bunker Hill High School and was a member of the Peru Church of the Brethren. She was the quintessential homemaker, mother and grandmother, cherishing her time spent with her children and grandchildren. Rita enjoyed playing the piano, working crossword puzzles, spending time in her flower garden and bird watching. She was a big IU fan especially of Bobby Knight. Surviving are her children Brian Eckelbarger of Roann, Dana (Cindy) Eckelbarger of Peru and Susan Reynolds of Mooresville, IN; grandchildren Jessica (Bob) Reynolds Crouch, Travis Eckelbarger, Shawna Eckelbarger, Emily Eckelbarger, Eryn Eckelbarger and Evan Eckelbarger; great-grandchildren Carson Crouch and Corbin Crouch. Rita was preceded in death by her parents, a son Todd Eckelbarger and a brother Michael Brechbiel. A service celebrating the life of Rita Joan Eckelbarger will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, July 30, 2021 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main St., Peru with Pastor Phillip Troxell officiating. Burial will be in Ever Rest Memorial Park, Logansport. Family and friends will gather from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home.