Maxine H. "Packy" Eckola, 77, of Crystal Falls, Mich., passed away Sunday, July 12, 2009, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls. She was born December 2, 1931, in Iron Mountain, Mich., daughter of the late Walton and Mildred (Bauman) Harding. Packy grew up in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School. She attended Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, Mich. Packy married Jack Eckola on December 25, 1952, in Iron Mountain. They lived in Lake Orion, Mich. until 1989, when they moved to Crystal Falls. Jack preceded Packy in death on December 19, 1992. She was active in the Crystal Falls Variety Show, the Iron County Museum, and the Downtown Development Association. Packy possessed many artistic talents. She displayed her art works all over the country and was also the author of many books. Packy is survived by two sons, Jim (Nancy) Eckola, Rudyard, Mich., Bob (Maureen) Eckola, Oxford, Mich.; one daughter, Tracey (Doug) West, Crystal Falls; one brother, Duane "Red" (Mary) Harding, Spread Eagle, Wis.; one sister, Wanda Trumbell, Iron Mountain; nine grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. Besides her parents and husband, Jack, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Terri Eckola, in 1968. You may light a candle in remembrance of Packy or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family. Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. The funeral service will be Friday, 12:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Rev. Tim Rader will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.