Jeanne Eikenberry was born on August 22, 1927 in Elwood, Indiana. Jeanne, as she was known, was the third of four children and the youngest daughter of Myrta (Gustin) and James Brillhart. In 1945 she graduated from Elwood High School among the top of her class.
In 1957, Jeanne married the love of her life, James L. Eikenberry. They lived for a time in Muncie and Fort Wayne – finally settling for 40 years on Gordon Street in Elkhart. Jeanne and Jim were members of Trinity Lutheran church with their two sons, Mark and Chris, where she was a Sunday School teacher and volunteer for many ministries. Jeanne gave much to church and charity work, and among the most meaningful was the time she spent binding brail Bibles for the blind. She was a dedicated volunteer and worked for many years on this mission.
When her children were older, Jeanne began work at Key Bank and then in 1992 went on to take a position at the Community Foundation of Elkhart until her retirement in 1995.
After her faith in God, nothing was more important to Jeanne than her family, and she was especially proud of her four grandchildren, Andrew, Alyson, Connor and Alex. She was a loving, affectionate and generous grandmother, and there was never a shortage of sweet treats when Grandma Eikenberry was visiting!
Jeanne Eikenberry passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, April 16, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her two sisters and one brother. Her husband, Jim, passed away in 2007 following 50 happy years of marriage. Jeanne is survived by her two beloved sons, Mark Eikenberry and Chris Eikenberry (Robin) and her four grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Entombment will take place in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Rice Cemetery, with a memorial service and celebration of Jeanne’s life at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church 30888 Co Rd Elkhart, IN.
Arrangements are with Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.
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