Carolyn Jean Eckhart was born on Aug 9, 1932. She grew up as an only child. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert J Eckhart and Ruby Alice Brucks Eckhart, her first husband Wilfred Ward, and her second husband, Earnest H. Muennink and one child who died at birth. She is survived by her children, Dorthy Ward-Griffin, Ora Lee Muennink, Dr. Ivan R. Muennink, and Anna M. Reinartz (Francis Kennedy Jr.); 10 grandchildren Charlie Reinartz, Carl Reinartz ( Dana), Ariel Reinartz -by Anna and Stanley H. Reinartz), Melisa A Joyner (Michael), Kyle Muennink, Quinton Muennink, Wyndi Reinartz Christina Ward, Melody Ann Ward, Richard-Phillip Benjamin Griffin, Peggy Marie Griffin # great-grandchildren Ruby M Joyner, Melody E Joyner, Brittany Ann Ward, Alex Zeus Ward-Ruiz, Celeste Beth Tetirick, Melissa Ann Smith, Denise Claire Tetirick, Elizabeth Hailey Smith, Charles Adair Pyka, and 2 great-great grandchildren Esmeralda Ann Ward-Reed and John Williams Reed III. Growing up in the 1940's she would often talk about life during WWII. She discussed how her parents and grandparents would not teach her German, because of the war and how none of the instruments were made of brass at school. All the brass was acquired for WWII. She talked about playing her bugle, and kept it in her closest- it was made out of green plastic. Every once in while, she would let the grandkids try to play it. She graduated Hondo Highschool in 1949 as salutatorian. She was married on June 6, 1953 to Earnest H Muennink in a candlelight ceremony. They had three children together and six grandchildren. Mrs. Muennink was a book keeper, a secretary, and a homestead provider. While working at Rio Vista cattle farm, she was a secretary and managed several livestock sales. Carolyn loved to cook and work in the garden with her mom, Ruby. Some of her favorites were Hersey's chocolate cake, Texas Sheet cake, and she loved to make the Thanksgiving turkey- her secret ingredient- butter. In her garden she always had poppies, roses and amaryllis. She and her mom grew tons of figs throughout the years, along with tomatoes, green beans and various other vegetables. Her lifelong passion was serving others and making a difference in the community. She served in numerous community organizations, to include: The Hondo Garden Club, the Hondo food pantry, the battered women's shelter, the Texas Women for Agriculture, Medina County Handicap Association and the Medina County Republican Party. She was active at the Hondo First United Methodist Church, where she served as church secretary, Sunday School superintendent, United Methodist Women, and a lifelong member of the choir. She enjoyed throwing Halloween parties for the youth and trick-o-treating for UNICEF. She was even a member of the Emmaus community. She made sure to bring her grandkids to church every Sunday, even when they other events planned for the day. God came first for her and she tried to share that foundation with her grandchildren. After becoming a double amputee, she became an advocate for others. She helped found Medina County Association for the Handicap and was a volunteer for the battered women's shelter. She believed that one person could make a difference in the community. She won volunteer of year from Hondo City Commerce and the Republican party. Once, she got to meet George Bush. She was also humble, when informed she won the volunteer award a second time, she replied, "No, I have already won once, I don't need it again. Give it to someone else". Carolyn, while humble, was also very determined and strong willed. When doctors, told her that she might not walk again, she proved them wrong. When told she couldn't drive, she learned how to drive with hand controls. She defeated many odds throughout the years and helped others to overcome theirs. She made sure to share her passion with all those around her- even taking her grandkids and their friends to volunteer with her at the thrift shop, the food pantry, knocking on doors for candidates, and various other activities. There was never a day that she didn't have meeting to attend or a volunteer activity to perform. She was an avid reader, reading at least one book per day. She was very spiritual and believed in God with all of heart, soul and mind. She believed that upon passing your soul goes to heaven to live eternally with God- like a butterfly blossoming from the cocoon to live a new life. Carolyn lived life to the fullest and never let anything get her down or get in her way. Visitation will be, Jan 23, from 6 to 8 pm at Guinn-Horger Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services are Thursday, January 24, 2019 (today) at 10 AM, at Guinn-Horger Chapel, followed by interment at Hondo Cemetery, Woodmen of the World Section. The family suggests memorials may be made to the Medina County Family Life Center.