Obituaries : Oma Ruth Geiger Eckhart

Oma Ruth Geiger Eckhart, 92, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, January 7, 2022, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab, Vinton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2022 at First Christian Church, Vinton. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, rural Vinton.

Oma was born March 7, 1929 in Holt, Missouri, the daughter of Jackson and Joy (Neff) Doyel. She grew up on a farm, milking cows and caring for her pet lamb, Betsy. She began her education in Missouri and attended country school in Iowa through the 7th grade. Her 8th grade year was spent in Urbana, and she attended Lincoln High School in Vinton.

On June 6, 1947, Oma was united in marriage with Earl L. Geiger at the First Christian Church parsonage in Vinton. He preceded her in death on April 30, 2003. Later in life, she married George Eckhart. He preceded her in death in November 2020.

Oma was the head cook in the cafeteria at East Elementary School in Vinton for 27 years, retiring in 1992. Even though she no longer cooked for the school, she continued to make delicious meals, kolaches and donuts for her family and friends.

Oma was a member of First Christian Church in Vinton, taught Sunday school and participated in Christian Women's Fellowship (CWF). She became a member of the Vinton Lutheran Home Auxiliary in the 1970's. She was also active as a Girl Scout, Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for many years. In her free time, Oma enjoyed playing cards, making quilts, giving permanents to her neighbors, being a seamstress and loved to go square dancing with Earl.

Oma is survived by her children: Linda Studebaker of Quasqueton; Sandy (Brad) Osborn of Palo; Diana (Dave) Whitson of Vinton; Tom (Terry) Geiger of Vinton; and Barb (Dan) Smith of Davenport; two sisters: Erma Neve of Vinton and Adah Schminke of Independence; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Oma was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Velma (Willie) Petersen; brother and sister-in-law, Nathan (Pauline) Doyel; granddaughter, Jenny Whitson; grandson, Ryan Studebaker; son-in-law, Eddie Studebaker; brothers and sisters-in-law: Don Neve, Gerald Schminke, Dale & Irene Geiger, Lynn & Marion Geiger, Arleigh Geiger and Ila Jean Albert.

Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church, Vinton.

Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Oma and her family. Condolences may be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.