Ardath E. Eichler's Obituary
Ardath Eichler, 102, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, in Chelan, Washington. She was born on May 28, 1923, in Yakima, Washington, to Fred and Hattie Broetje. Ardath grew up on a large orchard/farm and graduated from Yakima High School and Yakima Business College.
In 1944, she married Ernie Eichler and moved to the Tacoma area. During World War II, she served as secretary to the president of the railroad at Lakewood Navy Base. She later worked in real estate with John T. Steward Realty in Lakewood for many years. In 1969, she began working in the main office at Lakes High School, where she remained until her retirement in 1988, as an associate librarian.
In 1979, Ardath and Ernie moved to Olympia, where they built a beautiful waterfront home. Ardath was an active volunteer at St. Peter Hospital from 1990 to 2001 and a devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Olympia, where she gave generously of her time. She was also a member of the Tacoma Daffodilians from 1989 to 1994, participating in parades throughout the region. Ardath enjoyed her involvement with the Olympia Garden Club, where she excelled in gardening and flower arranging.
Ardath was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Gary Eichler and Barbara (Eichler) Hageman; three grandchildren, Zachary Eichler, Kira (Eichler) Schmeling, and Justin Hageman; and two great-grandchildren, Leah and Hope Schmeling. Her family was the center of her life, and she cherished time spent playing games and preparing meals for those she loved.
In 2001, Ardath moved to University Place, where she continued volunteering at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood until 2008. She remained independent in her own home until late 2024 when she moved to Wenatchee to be closer to her daughter, Barbara. She lived a long, vibrant, and meaningful life, surrounded by dear friends and family. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Mariners and the Seahawks and was delighted to cheer them on to another Super Bowl win last month.
Ardath was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ernie, and her beloved sister, Penelope Briggs.
A celebration of Ardath’s life will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home on April 18 at noon. Memorial donations may be made to the Tacoma Humane Society, First United Methodist Church of Olympia, or the Lakewood Historical Society.
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