Debbie Eck

(From Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home)

Deborah Kay (Jenkins) Eck, surrounded by her family, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on Saturday, August 27th, 2022.

Debbie was born December 19, 1951. She spent most of her childhood/teen years in Duquesne, MO and attended Webb City High School (Class of 1971). 

She married Peter Eck on May 31, 1969, and eventually settled in Sarcoxie, MO. 

Debbie will be remembered by the many people she touched with her kindness and generosity. She was driven by her own childhood in foster care, to offer a safe, loving foster home to hundreds of children. So in addition to her own three children with Peter, Debbie counted many others as her children. 

Over the years, she also opened her home to numerous foreign exchange students and remained in contact even after their return to their home countries. Among her chosen family include Karita Kamari of Finland, Fabi Aus of Germany (and mother Martina), Alonso Bear of Mexico, Kushtrim Sujemani of Macedonia and Natchanan Buapin of Thailand. 

Debbie was admired for her work ethic. She worked with the Missouri Department of Revenue Sales Tax Division, the License Bureau and Asay Publishing to name a few. She also served as a volunteer at the Sarcoxie Senior Center, serving meals to senior citizens. But Debbie's most rewarding and treasured job was raising her children and being Mema to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Debbie enjoyed traveling, often taking her foreign exchange students to notable sites of interest in the US while they visited or taking vacations with family. But she was most content at home, spending time outdoors taking care of her yard and her animals, or going to auctions and garage sales hunting for bargains and gifts for her friends and family. She loved people and was known to host her neighbors for gatherings of food, fun and fellowship.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Peter and her children, Michael Eck of Ozark, MO; Christina Rhymer (Jerry) of Salina, OK; Kandace Logan (Steve) of Miller, MO; and Troy Royko (Susan) of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Her survivors also include grandchildren, Anthony (Lauren) Eck, Skylar (Ryan) Sitton, Rebecca Eck, Timothy (Patty) Arr, Savannah Gibson, Alexandria Gibson, KC Logan, Hayden Logan, Logan Rhymer, Emilee Rhymer and Hannah Rhymer as well as great-grandchildren, Sydney, Madysyn, Braydyn, Daxton, Grayson, Arabella, and August.

She was preceded in death by her foster parents Sterling and Olive King and her in-laws, Frank and Lois Eck. Debbie is no doubt cuddling her great-grandson born sleeping, Breckin.

Services for Debbie are under the care of Housh-Goodwin Funeral Home of Sarcoxie and will be held there on Thursday, September 1, 2022 beginning with visitation at 12 pm with memorial service to begin at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations, via Housh-Goodwin, be made to St. Judes Childrens Hospital.