Kaitlyn Marie Eckelberry

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, we lost our Kaitlyn Marie Eckelberry. Heaven took her, and we weren't ready to say goodbye. She was our laughter, our entertainer, and a piece to our beautiful puzzle that will never be the same. Most importantly, she was an incredible daughter, sister, girlfriend, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend to all. She leaves behind her parents Lori and Jim Eckelberry, her greatest loves, cheerleaders, and supporters; her sisters Kristina and Kortney who completed the perfect trio of daughters and best friends with beauty and grace; Kane Elliot, the love of her life that didn't get to finish the end of their perfect love story; Grandparents Bob and Patricia Drapcho, Sandy Beiter and Joe Hanood; but we find comfort that her grandfather Donnie and her dog Honey and guinea pig, Scooby, are holding her tight in Heaven. Her aunts, uncles, cousins and crazy amount of friends are at a loss and missing our Katie to the point where it's hard to breathe.

Kaitlyn was someone that brightened everyone's life. She was a special friend, teammate, sister, and everyone that knew her could tell you how she was the light that everyone needed. She was taken too soon but will always be remembered by her big smile, wide eyes, and vivacious personality. Her love was endless and she will not be forgotten. Words cannot describe all the good that she did in the world for all she touched. God needs to have his arms so tightly wrapped around her so that we can have some comfort. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful guardian angel watching over us.

Kaitlyn graduated from Gannon University with her Bachelors of Science Cum Laude in 2018. She then graduated from Gannon with her Masters of Physician Assistance Science in 2019. She was certified as a Physician Assistant in September. She was a hard worker with a determination that could not stop her from anything. Her goals were always met, and she went above and beyond in everything that she did with her life. Her dreams were big and so was her heart. She was larger than life. She had her "dream PA job" that was to start in two weeks. No doubt touching lives in Orthopedic Surgery.

Kaitlyn, as well as exceeding in an education, was an athlete her entire life. She started playing softball when she was five. She fell in love with the sport and played all throughout her life. She was a great teammate, leader and true soulmate to many. She was part of amazing softball teams that always reached the highest accomplishments. Four State Div. 1 Softball Championships in HS; PSAC Championship at her beloved Gannon University and multiple travel ball titles. It is no coincidence that she was part of these teams.

We love you Kaitlyn Marie Eckelberry. Life will not be the same without you but we also know that you are lifting us up as our angel in Heaven.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 4 to 8 pm at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St, Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Rd., Uniontown OH 44685. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, 6060 Rockside Woods Blvd N #315, Independence, OH 44131.