Ecco Kriechbaum was born on February 21st, 2005. Daughter, sister, partner, and friend she was a light…right now we can all see and hear Ecco rolling her eyes and telling us not to be lame or cliché. See the thing is, she was the radiant sound that reverberates off the walls of the world that reminds us of the beauty, mystery, and love in the world.
Ecco may have physically left this world on February 24th, 2025, but her influence and voice will impact many for generations. Ecco has the soul of an artist! Her willingness to help others, lift them up and leave them happier than when she appeared is her hallmark.
Ecco was in love with a wonderful man, Zach, who’s family took her in as she ventured into adulthood and made her feel loved. She is her mother’s daughter, Leana, her tenaciousness, love of nature, love of music and love of people are testament to their relationship and love. Her dad, Josh, was an anchor and a calm harbor in a storm. James is her brother and roommate and the love between them can never be ignored. Her little brother Jones…she was his favorite person and he one of hers. We cannot forget Spoon, her cat. She loved her cat so much. He now brings comfort to her family. She has a very large extended family, who will miss her dearly and will cherish every memory. Everyone was important to Ecco and she them; All can look at those captured moments between all of them and no one can deny the bonds and love that flow between them.
An artist and a giver. She loved to feed her family as she learned to cook. Her constant “I love you’ s!” were her reminder that everyone was important. She really did say it more than anyone. She wanted to show the world through her eyes and loved taking pictures. Her views of her surroundings and community were a perspective that we all need. She loved to take pictures, “the number of times she would stop to take pictures of the sunset or a pretty view…beauty recognizes beauty.”
Her impact reverberated beyond her family. There are so many people that have had the pleasure of even being associated with Ecco. “Her SMILE! Every time Ecco walked into my office, I would stop everything to see that smile and hear her voice. It did not matter if she was scheduled, or just wanting to skip class. I would welcome the distraction and conversation. Ecco would sit crisscross applesauce on the chair, and we would lose ourselves in conversation, hugging after each chat. Sharing tears, laughter, and hugs. I will remember our conversations forever.” “
She was also a talented actor who shared her spirit on stage with so many people. “One of my favorite memories of her was when we did Honk Jr. together in 2013. She played a little duckling, and she was the absolute cutest. She had so much fun in that role, and it was just so special to watch her light up on stage. Her hugs were legendary, her kindness endless and her sense of humor could brighten even the darkest of days. She was so sweet, so fricken funny and just the kind of person who made life better by being in it.
Her connections with her community and people were endless and transformative. From her family, partners, coworkers, classmates, and teachers, her reach goes beyond her brief life. We could spend years talking about her and what she means to each person who was in contact with her, even if briefly. “Ecco was a brilliant soul who shared her dreams and ambitions through her writing and conversations. She had a creative mind, a kind soul, and a determination to battle through many struggles. Her words painted a vivid landscape of thought, and brought clarity, depth, and beauty to the world. Ecco leaves behind a story in the hearts of many. Ecco’s life was for filled with the power of imagination.”
Ecco now joins her biological father, Kricket, in eternity. May her voice, songs, art, laughter, and smiles grace us all as we see and enjoy the simple things in life.
Her family asks that the lieu of flowers please donate in Ecco’s name to women’s charities. Suggested donations go to the Women’s Law Center and Women for Women International.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 7, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Motnana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Friday March 7, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
12:00 p.m.
Friday March 7, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Motnana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Friday March 7, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sue Sweeney says
Ecco shared her smile and bright light at Broadwater Elementary! She knew everyone and everyone knew Ecco. She will be so missed. She has left an everlasting impression on me. I will not be in town for the service and am very sorry to miss it. Many thoughts and prayers to Ecco’s wonderful family and friends. ❤️❤️
Much love,
Sue Sweeney
Heather Brown says
Sweet Ecco! This summary of who you are is so spot on! Since I learned of your passing all I could talk about was your brilliant smile, twinkling eyes, and your keen sense of the world around you. My heart breaks that our world has lost your physical presence. My thoughts go out to your loving family, especially James. May you fly high, sweet girl!
Love,
Ms. Higgins (Brown)
Retta Leaphart says
I will always remember Ecco as an engaged, eager student who loved her friends. She was part of a truly special class of students at Grandstreet Theatre School, and I remember how excited she was when I assigned her a monologue from A Midsummer Night’s Dream when she was in middle school. Her sense of wonder and delight were contagious. Years later, I watched Ecco speak at a Women’s March, and was so proud of her for using her voice to speak up for herself and others. I’m grateful to have known her.
Love,
Retta (Grandstreet Theatre School Faculty)
Anonymous says
Ecco, sweet girl. Gone much too soon. I only met you a few times through my daughter and didn’t get the pleasure of truly knowing you. My heart is shattered for all those who knew you, loved you, and held you close in their heart. There are no words that can ease the pain for those who mourn your loss, but I pray that each of those grieving take the time to sit with the waves of grief as they come in hopes of allowing themselves to begin to process your passing. Rest easy young lady.
Taylor and Leanna says
There nothing that Leanna and I loved more than walking into Broadwater and seeing Ecco. We would talk about life, day dream, and of course there were some good laughs. She will be missed so much. She was such a light and we will never forget her.
Dale and Connie Wostrel says
Thanks MaryLou and Bob for sharing your beautiful granddaughter, Ecco, with us at our Sons and Daughter’s Conventions. It was a joy to watch her grow in beauty and wisdom through her young years! Remember your treasures now are your wonderful memories of Ecco.