Mary B. Eckley of Suquamish died July 30 at Martha and Mary Health Service in Poulsbo; she was 84.

She was born Aug. 23, 1920 in Lake Andes, S.D., to Ira and Emma Jean Besst Steele.

She married Richard Walter Eckley on Sept. 25, 1938, in Tekamah, Neb., and was a homemaker. After her children grew up, she worked in a retirement facility as activities director.

She was known for her great sense of humor, determination and love of babies, birds and flowers. She was also an excellent cook and liked to sit in her rocking chair working crossword puzzles or reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary E. Steele and Martha Susan Severson; sons, Richard C. Eckley, Thomas Eckley, John Eckley and James Eckley; 18 grandchildren, including granddaughter Sheri Steele of Bainbridge Island; and 26 great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held at a later date in Nebraska. She will be buried in Tekamah Cemetery in Nebraska.

Arrangements are by Kass and Cook Family Funeral Home.