Jeri Eckhardt

Jeri Darling Eckhardt, 89, died Saturday February 20, 2021 in her home outside of Abiquiu. She had been a resident of the region since 1994 after she and her late husband, William, retired to Santa Fe, N.M., from Grosse Pointe, Mich., in 1989. She was born June 29, 1931. She was a dedicated mother, proud homemaker, impressive cook, avid reader and enjoyed running in her younger years. She also was a lover of animals, including numerous pets and her beloved horse, Little Man. She also was a local benefactor, providing donations to such organizations as Espanola Humane, the Horse Shelter at Cerillos, Kindred Spirits in Santa Fe and the fire department and library in Abiquiu. She is survived by three children: D. Reed Eckhardt of Santa Fe, N.M., Randy Freeman of Nashville, Tenn., and Robyn Eckhardt of Piedmont, Italy; three grandchildren: Kaycee Lyn Eckhardt of Weaverville, N.C., Breckany Teal Eckhardt of Chapel Hill, N.C., and Simone Nicole de Vallee Eckhardt of Albuquerque, N.M.; one great-grandchild, Yuna Darling Houska of Weaverville, N.C.; and three brothers, Tom Tinnin of Albuquerque, N.M., Lt. 1 Gustave “Gus”  Beall Jr. USN of Phoenix, Ariz., and Chief John Beall USN of the Philippines. Also left to cherish her memories are sons-in-law Bill Foster and David Hagerman. She was preceded in death by her birth father Robert T. Tinnin Sr. and mother Pauline Rand Sprankle and stepfather Imrie Gustaf Beall. No services are planned. Cremation will take place under the direction of DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Espanola Humane, 108 Hamm Parkway, Espanola, NM 87532 or to Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, 3749-A Highway 14, Santa Fe, NM 87508. The family of Jeri Darling Eckhardt has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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