Gladys Ida Eckhardt (nee Gold), 87, of Yoakum, passed away January 6, 2023.  She was born on October 12, 1935, to Edwin & Meta Heimann Gold, in Fredericksburg, TX. She married Eric Eckhardt on November 6, 1999.  She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Yoakum.

Gladys was baptized and confirmed at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, TX.  She attended Meusebach Creek School for grades 1-8, and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1954.  Her first job was as a Western Union operator at the Radio Post in Fredericksburg.  She earned 30 credit hours from Southwest Texas State University for her work-life experience.  She retired after 32 ½ years from USAA in San Antonio, as an insurance area manager. She was a member of Thrivent Financial, Texas German Society and Golden Eagles (USAA Retiree's Group).  She enjoyed vacationing and being active in her church.  Her lifelong enjoyment was singing in the church choir.

Gladys is survived by:  her husband Eric; daughter Janet Rothe; stepdaughters, Tammy Garner, Sherrie Byers & Donna Dittmar; stepsons, Byron & Russell Eckhardt; 7 step grandchildren; 5 step great grandchildren; and her caregiver & adopted granddaughter Brigid O'Mara.

Gladys was preceded in death by:  1 ^st husband Freddie Scott and 2 ^nd husband Arnold Dittmar; daughter Jill Allison Scott; parents; brother Reuben Gold; and sister Lorene Nocker.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (605 US Hwy 77A South, Yoakum, TX; with Visitation starting at 10 am; Graveside at.2 pm, Thursday at Hallettsville City Cemetery. Officiant: Rev. Alsen Wenzel. Memorials: Holy Cross Lutheran Church or donor's choice. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.