Eckhart, 57, had been with the city since 2012. She suffered a stroke earlier last week and died suddenly, Howard said.
City officials said Eckhart was instrumental in many of the recent Parks and Recreation initiatives and improvements, like getting new lights installed at Fairfield Park and installing the fitness court.
MORE: Fairborn gets national grant for free outdoor exercise equipment
“She loved the parks,” Howard said.
Howard also said Eckhart poured her “heart and soul” into events in downtown Fairborn and had plans to revamp the city’s farmers market this year.
Eckhart, who lived in Columbus, was Fairborn’s Citizen of the Week in August 2019. She was also an Ohio State fan.
“For living an hour away, her commitment to Fairborn was incredible,” Howard said. ” We have a huge, huge hole in not only our operations, but in the building. She’d always put a smile on your face. She was just an infectious personality.”
MORE: Fairborn investing thousands to improve Fairfield Park
Services will be Saturday, Feb. 22 at King Avenue United Methodist Church, located at 299 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. There will be a visitation at 10:30 a.m. and a celebration of life following at 12:30 p.m.
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