Alberta Ecker, co-pastor and wife of 25+ years to retired pastor, Tom Ecker, died on April 30. Her Memorial Service was held on June 6 and live-streamed on YouTube. Anyone who would like to see photos of her life and legacy may view the service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-SyyRqNqTU.
Alberta, a Lakota Sioux Native American who grew up being forced to attend a Catholic Boarding School on the South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation easily referenced her challenging experience as a First Nation citizen in her pastoral duties while visiting, administrating, socializing, evangelizing, and speaking. Over her years in ministry as a co-pastor, she traveled to and spoke at twelve different WCG / GCI churches in Southern California sharing her delight in the grace and truth embraced by GCI. In retirement, she courageously carried these internalized teaching beliefs into her declining health years fighting a progressive disease known as Multi-System Atrophy-Cerebellum Predominant, which took her life.
Cards may be sent to:
Tom Ecker and Family
1035 East Huntington Drive,
Space # 39
Monrovia, California
91016-3776 USA
Dear Tom and Family,
May your memories give you strength. Our prayers are with you.
In Him,
Santiago and Elke
Thank you Santiago and Elle. She was a wonderful woman and I miss her deeply. I hope you have a chance to watch the YouTube link of the Memorial Service. Feedback on the entire service has been very encouraging. In appreciation, Tom and Family
We join with others praying for comfort as you grieve Alberta’s death.
Ken, remembering your sharing your experience, strength and hope at the various workshops Alberta and I had the pleasure to attend. Blessings to you and Nancy as you journey through life. All the best, Tom
Hi Tom
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
You Canadian Family
Craig & Debbie Minke
Craig and Debbie, remembering how much Alberta and I always enjoyed our meals and fellowship together with you both at the International Conferences in Orlando. Savoring our enduring friendship. Your brother, Tom
God puts all of our tears inside a “bottle” as/for a remembrance. Immanuel
Trevor, thank you fir your tender comment and I am blessed by your Immanuel mindset. Thank you too for your recent phone call.
Oh Tom, Oh Tom, I just watched the memorial service on you tube. It was so beautiful. It appears to me that you, like Timothy of old, have been gifted with the wonderful blessing of being surrounded by two beautiful and strong Christian women. I wish your mother could have lived long enough to have met Alberta. I am sure they have become well acquainted in the “happy hunting ground” of heaven. May our Lord continue to be with you and your family.
Jim, I apologize for the delay In getting back to you as I was out of state for Alberta’s Graveside Service plus I also took some time with family in Colorado. Your post was a wonderful, delightful, and uplifting encouragement to read on arriving home. You and your wife Linda were always an amazing example on the Fontana Pastoral team. In fact, you are the one who encouraged me to go to AC. Thank you for your example then and all through the years. Your grateful brother, Tom