Maymie Ecker died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Hilltop Health Care Center in Watkins. She was 101. 
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Zion United Methodist Church in South Haven with Pastor Lori Artner officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Zion United Methodist Cemetery.
Maymie Emma Ecker was born at home in Kingston on July 19, 1923, to Frank and Emma (Steinberg) Ecker. She embodied the spirit of resilience and dedication, a legacy rooted in the values of hard work and compassion that she learned on the farm. Following her graduation from Kimball High School with the Class of 1941, and with a passion for learning and sharing knowledge, Maymie earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Her career began at District 30 in rural Stearns County, near Lake Carnelian, followed by two years at Dassel Elementary School, five years at Northfield Elementary, and finally 31 years at Earl Brown Elementary School in Brooklyn Park. After 40+ years as an educator, Maymie retired in 1985. She was a passionate teacher whose influence reached far beyond the classroom walls having inspired countless young minds with her kindness and wisdom. Her commitment to nurturing the future generations reflected her profound belief in the power of education as a force for good in the world.
In addition to her career, Maymie was a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She cultivated bonds with each of them, offering words of wisdom and encouragement, a listening ear, a warm smile, and joyous memories. Her presence and gentle guidance will forever remain in the hearts of her family.
Maymie had a strong faith. She was lifelong member of Zion United Methodist Church in South Haven. She was baptized, confirmed, and now will be buried out of the same congregation. Maymie taught Sunday School, summer Bible school, and she was a member of the church’s Ladies’ Aide.
Maymie embraced life with a spirit of gratitude, celebrating every moment with a smile and a kind word. She was active in her community, volunteering with the Kimball Food Shelf, Meals on Wheels, Senior Dining, Historical Society, and Friends of Library. Maymie loved her cats, and she was a big supporter of the Humane Society over the years. She cherished the simple joys, from the solitude of gardening to the fellowship of visiting with friends and family.
Maymie was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Lillian and Heino Leppa, Elmer and Veronica Ecker, Ernest and Ruth Ecker, and Clarence Ecker; and nephews Tom, Randy and Bob Ecker.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews Karen Monaghan, Richard (and Dory) Ecker, Bonnie (and Jim) Kirchhofer, Nancy Weir, Carol (and Connie) Leppa-Miller, Larry Leppa, David Ecker, Bill (and Elaine) Ecker, Steve (and Sue) Ecker, Dianne (and Craig) Smith, Laurie (and Bill) Welz, and Kathy Ecker; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, and students whom she has taught over the years.
Great-neices and great-nephews of Maymie will serve as casket bearers. Dayna Koehn will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.