ECKER: Ada Mary Ecker, beloved wife of Ed Ecker, passed away in Taber on Friday, November 15, 2013 at the age of 69 years following almost thirty years battling Multiple Sclerosis. Relatives and friends were invited to Prayers at Â鶹ÊÓƵland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 5:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009-48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 2:00P.M. with Reverend Vincent TuanHa, Celebrant. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden. Besides her husband Ed, who has stood by her side with commitment and enduring love, are her children Arthur Ecker of Coaldale, Angela (William) Smith of Calgary, Delvina (Terry) Neil of Lethbridge, Sandra Ecker (Mariko Johnson) of Calgary and by one grandson William Smith. She is also survived by her brother Allan (Louise) Strong of North Battleford, Saskatchewan and two sisters Alice Strong of Revelstoke, British Columbia and Joyce (Terry) Day of Edam, Saskatchewan. She will be fondly remembered by her extended family Irene (Don) Gordon of Headingley, Manitoba, Jim (Marie Louise) Ternier of Humbolt, Saskatchewan, Tom (Judy) Burns of Cochin, Saskatchewan and Betty (Doug) Daniels of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Ada is also survived by Ed's family, Margaret Afseth of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Allan (Connie) Ecker of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Ann Bohnet of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Ron Ecker of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Marie (nee D'Hondt) and Arthur Strong. Ada Mary Strong was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan on December 14, 1943. She was raised on the family farm near Glaslyn, Saskatchewan with her brother and two sisters. In 1963, Ada met Edward Ecker and they were married on September 25, 1965. Ada and Ed moved to Taber in May of 1970 where they raised their four children. Just as all the children were leaving the nest, Ada was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1993. As the disease progressed, she became more and more disabled to the point that care in her own home proved too difficult. She has spent the last eight years of her life being cared for both at Taber Extended Care and at Linden View. Her condition worsened near the end of October and she was finally released into the hands of Jesus this past Friday. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ada's name may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 724-13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2T1 (www.mssociety.ca) or to The Good Samaritan Society, Linden View, 4700-64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 0C6. "The grace, courage and strength of will with which she faced each day, was both inspiring and astonishing. She never quit, she never complained, Ada patiently listened to our petty troubles and almost always had some gem of wisdom that would help us screw our heads on straight again. Her council, wisdom and love will be missed so very much." ____________________________________________________
