- Date Of Birth: February 23, 1921
- Date Of Death: December 16, 2011
- State: Ohio
Berniece Eckard Sigafoos passed away early Friday morning following a 3-month illness. Born February 23, 1921, to Leslie & Carrie Shenberger of Hayesville, she often recalled stories of the happy childhood she enjoyed there. For a time, her family lived in Ashland, where she graduated from Ashland High School in 1939. She was a member of the “39 Club” which met for many years until 2009.
On March 16, 1943, she married Wilbur Eckard, who was deceased in 1979. There are two surviving children, Karen Suzanne First of Mansfield and Bruce Eckard of Durham, North Carolina. Stepson William Eckard is deceased. Also surviving are grandchildren Shelly Philpott, Erick First and Brandy Yockey, all of Mansfield, Megan Eckard Westrum of Lexington, and Amy and Tara Eckard, address unknown. There are 8 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews all residing locally, and descendants of William who live in California.
Berniece & Wilbur built & operated the Ashland Drive-In Theatre from 1953 to 1979. In the mid-1980s, Berniece operated Bernie’s Book Store in Ashland. In February 1983, she married Dale Sigafoos, who was deceased in 1996. Also preceding Mrs. Sigafoos in death are two brothers: Harold and Robert Shenberger and a sister, Frances Hutchinson.
Berniece enjoyed many hobbies and was a very talented, creative lady. She made many friends while taking lessons and playing the organ. An avid reader, she also crocheted afghans for family members, produced & framed large paint-by-number pictures, painted 25-30 ceramic houses & buildings to create a winter village display, and in recent years sewed & framed very detailed counted cross-stitch pictures.
Mrs.
