Bamberly Eckelbarger

Bamberly “Bambi” Marie Eckelbarger, age 44, of Ithaca, Michigan, passed away after a brief illness Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center in Alma, MI.

Bambi was born in Clare, Michigan on May 29, 1977, the cherished daughter of Carl "Mick" and Jeannie (Warren) Robbennolt.  She graduated from Ithaca High School with the class of 1995.  She earned an associate’s degree in the medical field from Baker College in 1998.

On January 22, 2000, Bambi married her childhood sweetheart Benjamin David Eckelbarger at Dunning Memorial Chapel in Alma, Michigan. Bambi was an avid photographer and always captured fun adventures with her family and friends. Hunting and fishing with her dad and children were her favorite weekend pastimes. She enjoyed many vacations to several destinations, but the many trips to Disney World she took with her mom and children were a highlight. Summers were spent with her family at Leisure Lake Campground where many special memories and great friendships were made.

Bambi was employed as a Patient Account Representative for Mid-Michigan Physicians Group. Her days were busy managing work, family, and life on the family farm.  Above all and most importantly, Bambi loved being "Mama Bear" to her four children and the "Chaos Coordinator" of her home.  She will be missed for her warmth and kindness, her big brown eyes, contagious giggle and good sense of humor.

Bambi is lovingly remembered and missed by her husband, Ben, of 21 years and her four beloved children: Carter, Carlson, Benson, and Brynn; parents, Carl "Mick" and Jeannie Robbennolt; father and mother-in-law, David and Jan Eckelbarger; grandparents Carl and Margie Robbennolt; sisters-in-law; Heidi (Robert) Kamminga and Hatti (Jason) Martin; and five nieces and nephews. Bambi was preceded in death by her grandparents Russ and Mary Warren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Smith Family Funeral Home in Ithaca, Michigan with Nathan Workman officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 2-8 p.m. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Bambi's family would like to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of love and support. The family also extends sincere gratitude and respect to the doctors and medical staff that cared for her at the Mid-Michigan Medical Center.

Memorials may be made to the Gratiot Community Foundation for the Bambi Eckelbarger Memorial Scholarship that will be established in her memory. Contributions can be sent to 168 E. Center Street, Ithaca, Michigan 48847. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.