Wava E (Crotser) Eckert went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1930 in Mendon, MI to Charles and Laura (Yunker) Crotser. Wava attended school in Colon and Mendon and graduated in 1949 from Mendon High School. She grew up on a farm with her parents and nine siblings. After school and chores, they enjoyed playing outside, especially softball.

In 1950, Wava married Lyle Eckert and together they raised their family in Burr Oak, MI. She was very active in the Missionary Church, teaching Sunday school, serving on the board, and sponsoring teens. Wava enjoyed working various jobs; during their time living in Oklahoma, she worked at a hospital, upon moving back to Michigan, she became a member of the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene and served in the daycare and custodial staff. She had many interests and hobbies; she enjoyed sewing and creating and being involved with family and church group. Wava traveled to Central America on a mission trip to help build a school and a church. Wava walked the Mackinac Bridge several times; she led a very active life and loved to travel. Another joy in her life was music, her love of gospel music was evident to everyone around her. She attended many concerts and hymn-sings.

Wava is survived by her five children, Mark (Joanne) Eckert, Tom Eckert, Phil (Beth) Eckert, Dan Eckert, and Julia (Terry) Armstrong; five grandchildren, Chellsie (Perry) Lambright, Erica (Elizabeth) Smith, Kyle Eckert, Christian Eckert, and Winston Eckert; eight great-grandchildren; two siblings, Dorothy James and David Crotser; and many nieces, nephews, and extended families. She was preceded in passing by her parents, Charles and Laura Crotser; her husband, Lyle Eckert; her daughter, Deborah Eckert; her brothers, John, Gerald, Marvin, and Norman Crotser; and her sisters, Betty Hassenger, Virginia Simpson, and Beulah Mader.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation is being conducted. Visitation will be held for Wava on Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene (70031 S. Lakeview, Sturgis, MI 49091) from 11am until 1pm, with a memorial service beginning at 1pm with Pastor Bill Couchenour officiating. A private interment will take place in Burr Oak Cemetery, where she will be reunited with her husband Lyle and her daughter Deborah. It is suggested that donations in honor of Wava be directed to either the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene or the Pathfinder Educational Center (62445 Shimmel Road, Centreville, MI 49032). Condolences and memories may be expressed to her family at eickhofffuneralhome.com