Anna Marie Eckstein Rulon

Anna Marie Eckstein Rulon, 68, of Columbus, GA died Monday, November 11, 2024 at Columbus Hospice House.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, November 15, 2024 at St. Mark Church, 6795 Whitesville Rd. Columbus, GA 31904 with Reverend Jeremy Alexander officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.

Anna was born December 15, 1955 in New Rochelle, France daughter of the late Herman Eckstein and Virginia Kelzer Eckstein. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who will be remembered for her kindness, selflessness, strong will, determination, and loving nature. She loved her husband, kids, grandchildren, and family with every ounce of her being.

In 1972, as a 16 year old, she started her job at RC Cola and went on her first date with David. She never left the job or David. She retired from her job in June of 2022 after 50 years working her way from Secretary to Plant Controller. Anyone that worked there knows what a special person she was. She could outwork anyone, and all the while found the time to be an outstanding wife and mother. In 1993, she was awarded RC Cola’s National Employee of the year and was always very proud of that honor. She graduated Magna cum laude from Columbus College with her Accounting Degree. Although never a practicing public accountant she took great pride in being a CPA. A special thought she often shared was that she loved when “everything balanced”.

She was a member of St. Mark Church for 32 years and she served on various committees while attending the church. She believed in the goodness of United Way and made sure that she and David contributed to their mission.

While Anna was a hard worker, she found the most joy in spending time with her family and being there for them in all aspects of life. She cherished her time watching the grandkids at the ballfield and golf course. One of her most rewarding roles was serving as the Columbus High Baseball Booster Club President. She loved spending time with everyone and enjoyed going to the beach with them. She would sit and read for hours or relax and enjoy a Hallmark Christmas movie. She also enjoyed the trips that she and David would take with friends. Not only was she there for the grandkids, but she was also a sounding board and voice of reason; a constant calming presence and pillar of strength. She would listen to your problems and give the best advice.

Other than her parents, Anna is preceded in death by her sister, Valerie Bowden and her brother, David Eckstein.

Survivors include her husband, David Rulon of Columbus, GA; sons, Ben Rulon (Ashley) of Phenix City, AL, Brad Rulon (Elizabeth) of Cataula, GA; grandchildren, Greyson Rulon of Phenix City, AL, Elliot Rulon of Phenix City, AL, Carson Youngblood of Cataula, GA, Brooks Rulon of Cataula, GA, Asher Rulon of Cataula, GA; brothers, Bill Eckstein (Cathy) of North Carolina, Paul Eckstein of Columbus, GA, Tommy Eckstein of Phenix City, AL; sister in law, Nan Doucet of Midland, GA; brother-in-law, Bryan Rulon (Kathy) of Columbus, GA; numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The last 16 months have been really tough on Anna but we find peace in knowing that she is resting in Heaven. When she entered those pearly gates she was likely greeted with a “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

We will remember Anna for her love of God, generous heart, and commitment to her family. Remember to be smart with your finances and love your family when you think of Anna because she wouldn’t have it any other way.