A Celebration of Life for Merna K. Eckman Dean, 70, Lawrence, will be held at 11 am Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lisa Setty officiating, Burial will follow in Vinland Cemetery. Mrs. Dean died Wednesday, Feb. 13. 2019.
She was born July 10, 1948, in Lawrence, the daughter of Edward and Helen Zink Eckman. She grew up on the family farm in the Vinland area and attended Lawrence High School for three years and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1966. Merna worked at Hallmark Cards for several decades before retiring in 2009. In her retirement, she enjoyed gardening and taking care of her yard. She also enjoyed getting together with her coffee friends, and was a member of the Lawrence Pilot Club.
Merna married Andy Dean on June 30, 1972. He preceded her in death in 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Richard and Vincent Eckman. Survivors include her brother, Steven Eckman and wife Nancy, Baldwin City; a sister-in-law, Linda Eckman, Baldwin City; and several nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Douglas County Hospice, or Vinland Cemetery Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
May your rest be peaceful Merna! God Bless!
Merna was a very special person! I will miss you when I attend the Lawrence Pilot Club Antique shows! It won’t be same without you! Rest in Peace Merna!
I’m so sorry to hear about Merna. She was the sweetest lady. My mom worked with Merna at hallmark for many years. I used to go to there Christmas parties with my brother as a child. I have so many sweet memories of her. You will forever be missed. Please tell Andy hi for me and give bear a big hug for me. RIP
I am so very sorry to hear about Merna’s passing from this earth. Merna and I worked at Hallmarks in the late 60’s and were roommates for a few years. What a great gal Merna was! I hope she will rest in peace now that she is with her dear husband Andy. Offering sympathy to all her family and friends who will miss her greatly. Merna had a huge heart and was a sweet soul.
I enjoyed visiting with Merna. I loved bringing her treats in the hospital. I will miss you my dear friend. Fly with the angels!
I am so sorry to hear about Merna she was a sweet heart i worked many years with her have so many memories RIP Merna tell Andy hi
I am Carol Richardson’s oldest daughter and I know my Mom and Merna were very good friends while working at Hallmark Cards together. I am so sorry Merna has passed and I will be thinking about all of you.
On behalf of my Wife Jean ( Stevenson ) AFFALTER who worked w/ Merna , & myself who also knew Vince & VANNED w/ him many years, To the family we are both sad to hear of her passing… Dave & Jean AFFALTER
When in high school she was the big sister I never had. Cousins can lose touch, but the memories will always be good.
My heart is broken Merna! I wish I would have come to visit you when I thought about it. Reminds me to do things when I think of it. You were one of a kind friend. I miss you already. Say Hi to Andy for me. Fly with the Angels Special Friend!!
Rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.
Deeply saddened to learn of Merna’s passing. She and Andy were good friends and the world is a little bit lessened without them.
RIP Merna. Sincere condolences to her family.
Pilot Club will definitely miss her and so will I. She epitomized what a member should be and what a friend should be. She never said no. Always there.
We are so sorry for your loss. I will miss her greatly.
Orville and Mary Jane Church
She was a great neighbor. She will be missed but glad she is no longer in pain.
So sorry to hear of Merna’s passing. She’ll be missed.
So sorry to hear of Merna’s passing.
So sorry to hear of Merna’s passing.