Mary Lou Eckerdt

Mary Lou Eckerdt August 8, 1949 - August 31, 2024 

Mary Lou Little was born in Rockport, Texas to adoring parents Ted R. Little and Mary Lucille Little on August 8, 1949. She graduated from Rockport High School as co-salutatorian in the class of 1967. She was raised in a loving home as the much younger sister of brothers Jimmy and Bobby, and spent her childhood in Rockport with all of her nephews and nieces. 

Mary Lou married David Tiner in December 1967, which lasted through 1984 and resulted in the births of two legends, Hollie Denise and Devon Ross Tiner. She raised her children in Rockport and was a founding member of ABC Learning Center where she acted as principal and was known to an entire generation of local children as “Miss Mary Lou”. She was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockport where she was the children's choir director for several years. 

Mary Lou left Rockport in 1985 to chase a man (Gary Eckerdt), whom she eventually caught and made an honest man out of in 1989. They have spent the last 30 years or so traveling the country in their RV, primarily spending summers in Colorado to escape the south Texas heat and wintering in the “Little House” in Rockport. 

Mary Lou passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2024 in the house where she was born, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her wonderful parents Ted R. Little and Mary Lucille Little (Lathrop), and her amazing brothers James “Jimmy” Little and Robert “Bobby” Little. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Gary Del Eckerdt, her sisters in law Berta Gene and JoAnn Little, her children Hollie (and Lincoln) Davis of Aransas Pass, and Devon ( and Dawn) Tiner of Kingwood. She is also survived by her FIVE GRANDSONS! Marshal and Mason Baird and Dylan, Dodge and Dustin Tiner. Mary Lou also leaves behind her beloved cat, Izzy. 

A Celebration of Life party is scheduled in her honor for Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the “Little House” 1229 S. Church St. in Rockport; open from 2pm to 8pm. All are welcome to join the family to reminisce and commemorate her. 

Mary Lou was always very supportive of her family, so in kind we say “ATTA GIRL!” for a life well lived. She will be missed.