Melissa Eckhardt Obituary (1953 - 2024)

Melissa Ann Sperry Eckhardt, 71, of Hastings, Nebraska, passed away on the morning of December 26, 2024, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha. Born on September 26, 1953, in Kankakee, Illinois, Melissa was the second of four daughters of William C. "Bill" Sperry and Patricia A. (Harkins) Sperry. She grew up in Hastings, Nebraska, and graduated from Hastings High School in 1971. Melissa moved to Seattle, Washington, to attend the Factory of Visual Arts, where she studied textile design, dyeing, and weaving. She returned to Hastings in 1978, where she met Richard "Rick" Eckhardt. The couple married in June 1981 and raised their two sons, Louie and Bailey, in Hastings. Melissa held various jobs throughout her career, including positions at Safeco Title in Seattle, Thermo King in Hastings, and Adams County Planning and Zoning. She cherished the friendships she formed through her work. Melissa had a passion for gardening, particularly for African violets, orchids, succulents, and other plants. She was also an avid crafter, creating stained glass works, mosaics, and other artistic projects. Above all, she treasured spending time with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Melissa was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Hilary, Theresa, and Angela. She is survived by her husband, Rick, of Hastings; sons, Louie (Kristen) of Hastings and Bailey (Christian Munoz) of Lincoln; beloved grandchildren, Malcolm, Fiona, and Ewan; sister-in-law, Jolene (Lyle) Johnson; brother-in-law, Roger Eckhardt; half-brother, Jesse Sperry of Minneapolis, Minnesota; half-sister, Kate Sperry of Key Largo, Florida; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her three cherished cats, Jack, Boop, and Mrs. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Hastings, with Rev. Damen Jensen-Heitmann presiding.