CARMEL

Rita Eckels, 91, of Carmel, passed away Friday, Aug. 7, 2015, at Manor Care of Summer Trace.

Born March 3, 1924, in Harvey, Illinois, she was the daughter of Elmond and Ruth C. Lawrence Cantrell and the stepdaughter of Leonard L. Lewis, all of whom preceded her in death. On Nov. 6, 1975, in Indianapolis, she married Thornton C. “Tom” Eckels, who survives.

Mrs. Eckels was a member of the Episcopal church. She was a retired management analyst with the U.S. Department of the Army with 27 years of service. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II stationed at U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters, Washington, D.C. She was an officer of Florida Chapter 6, Women Marine Association, a member of American Legion Post 0159 in Venice, Florida, and a charter member of Women in Military Service for America.

Other survivors include a great-niece, Suzanne Glesing; a nephew, Larry Wilson; great-nephews, Mark and Kern Wilson; and special friends, Beth and Bryan Courtney, and Marty Rudolph.

Beside her mother, father and her stepfather, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Anthony Burton; and her sister, Juanita Wilson.

A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour, with full military graveside rites conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47 and Korean and Vietnam Veterans 7, all of Seymour.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. the day of the service.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Voss & Sons Funeral Service is handling arrangements.