Donna Eckhoff

Donna Jean Eckhoff, of North Platte, died at home surrounded by her family on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at the age of 54, after a brave battle with cancer.

Donna was born January 1, 1964, to Johnie Sr. and Helen Clair, the first New Year's baby born at St. Mary's Hospital in North Platte. She grew up in North Platte where she went to school and had perfect attendance from kindergarten through 6th grade. Donna attended North Platte High School and later received her GED. She went on to earn her CNA certification then worked at Bethesda Care Center in Sutherland.

On June 29, 1991, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Terry Lee Eckhoff, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church. The couple lived in Sutherland then moved to Haxtun, Colorado for a while before returning to Sutherland and eventually North Platte. Since Terry drove a semi, they enjoyed going over-the-road, doing a lot of sightseeing together, and Donna learned to drive the semi. She and Terry were married only a few years when he died of cancer in 1999.

Donna went on to work at various places including J.C. Penny's, Happy Heart, Employer Unity, Hospitality Inn, Hampton Inn, Herberger's, Gary's Super Foods, North Platte Public Schools and Mid-Plains Community College. She was a member of the Sutherland United Methodist Church and Relay for Life.

Donna is survived by her sister, Janet (Robert) Vath, of Sutherland; brothers, Steven (Beth) Clair, and Johnie 'Jack' Jr. (Darlene) Clair, of North Platte and Jim (Brenda) Clair, of Maxwell; 8 nieces and 5 nephews; 8 great-nieces and 11 great-nephews; as well as other family.

Along with her husband, Terry, she was preceded in death by her parents, Johnie and Helen Clair; nephew Robert 'Bobby' Vath, Jr.; and special aunt, Cay Schaffer.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, November 12, 2018, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will follow in the Paxton Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Gift of Hope to help others battling cancer.