02/02/2026
Bernice Ann Eichelberger, 93, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her children.
Bernice was born October 2, 1932, to Harlan and Alice Schupp at the family home in Pilot Grove, Missouri, the eldest of six children. She attended Martinsville Catholic School and graduated from Pilot Grove High School in 1950. During high school, she excelled in basketball and served as class president—something her children only discovered years later by way of a plaque hanging quietly in the school hallway.
A child of the Great Depression, Bernice grew up in humble circumstances. Her first dress was made from a flour sack, yet she lived her life richly blessed with abundance—an abundance of faith, family, love, and purpose. She learned early that true wealth is not measured by what one has, but by how one lives and gives to others, a lesson she carried throughout her life.
In 1956, Bernice married Roy Eichelberger, who preceded her in death. Together they moved to Howard County, where they raised five children: Mitchell, Lois, Brenda, Richard, and Gail. During those years, they battled the Mighty Missouri River many times until the flood of 1993 claimed the family homeplace. After raising her children, Bernice returned to work outside the home as a bookkeeper with Greis Construction, where she devoted many years until her retirement in 2004 at the age of 72.
Bernice was a lifelong member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Her faith was quiet, steady, and deeply rooted. She did not preach the Word—she lived it. Her love of the Eucharist and faithfulness were an inspiration to many. She had her familiar seat in the back on the right side, and when she could no longer walk forward to receive Communion, she was grateful to those who brought the Eucharist to her.
Another place of joy, solace, and sanctuary for Bernice was her garden. Throughout her life, she loved to dig in the dirt, watch things grow, and enjoy the fruits of her labor. The Sunday after her passing, as the sun rose over the frozen earth, a beam of sunlight shone directly on her garden spot at the farm—a sign her family deeply cherished.
She exuded incredible strength which carried her through the Great Depression, devastating floods, and life’s many hardships. She was intentional and present, never boisterous or flashy. She showed up. She was a friend to all, with a special calling to help those in need, and she never spoke an ill word of anyone. She cherished her Daughters of Isabella friends and their charitable work and volunteered well into her late 80s. An avid sports fan, she faithfully cheered at countless games and events, whether or not a family member was playing. She had “her spot” at Rolling Hills to watch softball.
Bernice was a woman of great strength when life hit hard and a humble servant to the Lord, her church, her family, and her community. A woman of deep faith, she lived a life marked by humility, love, and service to others. She loved her family and grandchildren, counting them among the richest blessings of her life. They loved her deeply and always looked forward to meals with Grandma, conversations, sporting events, and trips together.
Bernice is survived by her children Mitchell (Jamie) Eichelberger of The Woodlands, Texas; Lois Eichelberger Fagan of Boonville, Missouri; Brenda (Bruce) Quinlan of Boonville, Missouri; Richard (Mandy) Eichelberger of Boonville, Missouri ; and Gail (Jon) Huecker of Belmont, North Carolina; 18 grandchildren: Ryan (Noelle) Eichelberger, Andrew Eichelberger, Emily (Nate) Hoffman, Thomas Eichelberger, Tanner (Anna) Fagan, Shelby (Felipe) Abreu, Daryl Fagan, Rhett (Emma) Quinlan, Cass and Lance Quinlan, Olivia, Alison (Brayden Conrow), Elizabeth, and Alexander Eichelberger, Jordyn (Kyle) Blendinger, Elly, Maddie, and Ben Huecker; three great-grandchildren: Maggie, Henry and Ryker; and her sister, Marilyn Gerling of Pilot Grove, Missouri.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers Jerry Schupp, Larry Schupp, and Billy Schupp, and her sister, Margie Innes.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. The reciting of the rosary will begin at 10:40 a.m. prior to Mass. Interment will follow at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to: Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church or Howard County Home Health and Hospice Agency.
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.
