Carol Dawn (Shaw-Thompson) Eckels

In Loving Memory of Carol Dawn (Shaw-Thompson) Eckles

March 1, 1953 – October 4, 2025

Carol Dawn (Shaw-Thompson) Eckels, age 72, of Bullhead City, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in her home surrounded by family. She was born on March 1, 1953, at Belmont Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles Herbert Shaw and Jeanne Florine Hedstrom, and raised by her stepfather, Jerry Martin Thompson.

Carol spent her early years in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Hanover Park, Illinois. She raised her children in Elgin, Illinois, and San Diego, California, before moving to Shelter Valley, California, where she built a beautiful life with her husband, Stan Eckels. The two later made their home in Bullhead City, Arizona.

Carol was a hard worker and a trailblazer — she became the first woman to join the Roofers Union in Illinois and later worked wardrobe on the TV show Renegade. She did whatever it took to provide for her family, from hand-dipping chocolates to caring for her beloved grandchildren — a role she always said was her favorite job of all.

Carol had a heart for helping others. She was generous to a fault, often giving her last dollar because she trusted God would provide. She loved her family deeply and poured her heart into everything she did — from sewing and crafting to starting prayer chains and volunteering at her church and local community center. She also had a playful side and enjoyed the excitement of slot machines.

Even when she was in pain, Carol pushed through just to spend time with those she loved. Her strength, kindness, and laughter touched everyone around her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and unconditional love.

Carol is survived by her husband, Stan Eckels; her children Tena Bates (Scott Hine) and Joe Ernst (Ronda Ernst); grandchildren Emily Bates, Tyler Ernst, Lexie Werner (Richard Werner), and Josh Ernst (Emily Davis); great-grandchildren Aubree, Jaxon, Remi, and Tessa; and her siblings Martin Thompson, Jan Njaa, and Kelly Thompson. She also had countless “adopted” children and friends who loved her like family.

She is now in Heaven with her new, healthy body — most likely talking with Jesus and finally getting answers to all her questions. She would want everyone she loved to know that she hopes to see them again in Heaven one day.

Celebration of Life

Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025Time: 10:00 AMLocation: First Baptist Church1700 Palma RoadBullhead City, AZ 86442

Carol specifically asked that this day be filled with color, laughter, and love. She didn’t want to see anyone in black — unless that’s your everyday color — but hoped to be surrounded by the bright, joyful colors she adored and that reflected her beautiful, hippy-style spirit.