Donna I. Eckley

Donna I. Eckley, 82, of Unionville, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at Centre Crest Nursing Home due to Covid-19. Born on July 5, 1938 in Bellefonte, she was the daughter of the late Clair and Lorraine (Fisher) Carver.

Donna was a 1960 graduate of Bald Eagle High School. She held several jobs at Penn State over the years, including the Dairy Science and the Property Inventory departments until her retirement.

She is survived by her three children, Janice Lingle (the late Walter Lingle) of State College, Beth Phillips (Terry) of Valley View, and Susan Eckley (Rick Breon) of Valley View, and three grandchildren, Kyle Phillips, Elijah Breon, and Jacob Breon, all of Valley View. Also surviving is one sister, Linda Spotts (Larry) of Unionville.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Kaeleb Phillips, on January 18, 2010, one son-in-law, Walter Lingle, on August 31, 1995, her long-time companion, Robert “Butch” Belay on June 21, 1999, one sister, Rosalyn Barndt, on September 12, 2014, and one infant brother in 1935.

In Donna’s younger years, she played cards most weekends with family and friends. She was an avid fan of the Penn State football and wrestling programs. Donna looked forward to summer vacations at Ocean City, NJ and attended the Grange Fair on a daily basis. Donna formed long lasting friendships at the Potter’s Mills Vets. She enjoyed the parties, dances, and “rip-off” tickets. Her biggest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. She faithfully attended all of her grandchildren’s events including football, wrestling, soccer, baseball, chorus, drama, and band. She never missed an event.

There will be a public graveside service held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at 11am, at Advent Cemetery in Milesburg, with David Dimmick officiating. Following CDC recommendations, social distancing is encouraged, and face coverings will be required at all services.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Centre Crest – Dementia Unit, Stanton Court, at 502 E. Howard Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.