Sally Jeanne Eibel

Sally Jeanne (Cochran) Eibel, 81, of Valparaiso, passed away the 27th of January, 2017 at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center. She was born on November 24th, 1935 in Hammond, IN to Phillip Stanley Cochran and Betty (Specht) Cochran, who preceded her in death. Her younger brother, Charles Cochran also preceded her in death in 2011. Sally graduated from Horace Mann High School, Gary in 1953 and from Purdue University, West Lafayette in 1957. On August 25, 1956, Sally married her high school sweetheart, Frederick Ritchey Eibel. Upon graduation from Purdue, she taught school for several years, and then later, went to work as the bookkeeper for the family business, Eibel and Son, Inc. Sally and Ritchey enjoyed traveling at home and abroad, participating in Orak Shrine events and spending time with their friends and family. Sally is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ritchey Eibel, her precious daughters, Susanna (Thomas) Gulbrandsen and Jennifer (Daniel) Vinovich, her treasured grandchildren, Lauren Jeanne (Jack) Ryan, Alison Jeanne Vinovich, Jack Ritchey Vinovich, David Young, her cherished great-grandson, Frederick Ritchey Ryan, beloved cousins, Judy Ryan and Susan (Harley) Miller, her brother and sister-in-law, James and Susan Eibel, many nieces and nephews, extended family and lifelong friends. She was a 62-year member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and an active member of the local Kappa alumni group. She was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood, Beta Rho Tri Kappa, Mercy Hospital Junior Guild and a faithful volunteer for the Visiting Nurse Foundation. Sally’s favorite activity was working as a volunteer (Pink Lady) at Methodist Hospital, Southlake Campus where she logged in thousands of hours of service. She was very involved in her church, Valparaiso First United Methodist, serving on the Board of Trustees, volunteering in their resale shop, and serving as an usher. She greatly enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs. Sally cared deeply for those around her and always had kind words to offer. Her strong faith and beloved family fueled her positive spirit. Family and friends may call at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point on Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, Reverend Dr. Jacob Williams officiating. Private interment will follow at a later time. Memorial donations may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children-Chicago or VNA Hospice of Porter County.

Sally Jeanne Eibel

November 24, 1935 - January 27, 2017