Opal Ruth Cottle Eckert, of Mason, passed away on Friday, July 12, at the age of 86. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Survivors include 2 sons Richard Haley and wife Pamela of Mason, Donald Eckert and wife Melanie of Mason, 3 daughters Cynthia Gipson and husband David of Mason, Vicki Ritter of Mason and Joan Low of Pflugerville and a brother Paul Cottle and wife Nina of Mason along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Marvin Eckert Sr., two sons Michael and Thomas Haley, a step-son Marvin "Buddy" Eckert Jr. and a step-daughter LaVerne Davis.

Ruth was born in Rochelle, Texas on July 17, 1926 to Orvel Cottle and Cynthia Cox Cottle. She was a graduate of Rochelle High School. On December 23, 1966 she married Marvin Eckert Sr. Ruth worked as a radio announcer and also as a restaurant manager. She served as a volunteer for EMS and worked with the Boy Scouts. Ruth loved garage sales and family gatherings. She was a great cook and enjoyed gardening and walking. Ruth also had a very soft spot in her heart for stray animals.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue.