Doris Rinde Eckert, age 96, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2023 at her residence in Shoreline, WA. She leaves behind one daughter, Thomasa Lynn Eckert (Matthew Lyon); three sons: Rinde Williams Eckert (Ellen McLaughin), Richard Tyler Eckert (Kelly Eckert), and Consider Law; and seven grandchildren: Manny and Keziah Eckert; Wilder and Brando Law; Everest Tanalepy, Jules Lyon, and Shannon Cornelius. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert (Bob) Williams Eckert, who passed in 2012.

Doris was born in Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, on February 19, 1927, although spent most of her formative years in Nebraska. Her parents were Thomas and Inez Rinde, and she had six siblings: Ruth, Tom, John, Carolyn, Mary, and Jim. After marrying Bob in 1947, she went on to graduate from Midland College with a degree in music.

Music would be central to the rest of her life. She spent a number of years in Franklin Lakes, NJ, employed full-time as music teacher at a K-8th grade elementary school. In addition to her full-time teaching job, Doris directed multiple choirs in the area, and freelanced as a soprano soloist in numerous operas and oratorios.

After moving to Iowa City, IA, she entered the professional music scene there. She was the church organist and choir director at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for 18 years. She taught voice at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA, and she always had a steady stream of private voice students. She also sang and played with many local groups, such as the Iowa City Chamber Singers.

She and Bob relocated to Seattle upon Bob's retirement from the University of Iowa. She became an active member of the Ladies Musical Club, and also held a position as organist for the Christian Science Church. She would eventually be compelled to slow down after breaking a hip at the age of 80, after which she begrudgingly retired from her organ job.

Aside from her endeavors related to music, she was a loving mother to her four children, and was a dedicated companion to her husband, Bob. She also had an active social life with a core group of friends, as well as maintaining involvement in her PEO chapters in both Iowa City and Seattle. Due to her skill and willingness she would eventually and inevitably rise to leadership positions in any group to which she belonged.

In retirement, in addition to her musical and social pursuits, Doris was able to travel frequently, fulfill grandmotherly duties, and just basically hang out with her lifelong companion, Bob. Her final several years, although marked by the decline of Alzheimer's disease, were spent surrounded by loving family, and caring, compassionate staff at Annel Adult Family Home in Shoreline. She was still able to go out on drives several times weekly up until just a couple months before her passing.

Even in the grip of Alzheimer’s, she maintained the sense of humor and social grace that were instilled deeply in her character. She was kind and generous to her very core, and even dementia couldn’t erase that.

A memorial will be held in Mukilteo, WA. This will give family and friends a chance to share stories, music and photos in celebration of this gracious, impactful woman. It will take place at 2pm, Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church. For virtual access via Zoom, the link is:  

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/889…

Meeting ID: 889 0915 4181.

An informal reception will follow at Richard and Kelly Eckert's home at 4817 103rd Place SW, Mukilteo, WA. For more information, feel free to contact Rich Eckert at 206-251-9194, or email at rtfish@gmail.com. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/doris-eckert/obituary/

Copy