Sally A. Eakle

Danville – Sally Ann Eakle, 82, of Danville passed away at 2:28 PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at her home. She was born August 26, 1942 in Elgin, IL to Luther and Helen (Smith) Hitzeroth. She married John R. Eakle on August 28, 1965 in Westville. He survives.

Also surviving are two children, Darrik Eakle of Danville, and Shanon (Hoby) Strahl of Hawthorn Woods, IL; and two grandchildren, Owen and Landon Strahl.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Larry Hitzeroth.

After High School, Sally earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She worked as a teacher in District #118 schools until her retirement after over 30 years of service. Teaching was her passion and through this love she earned multiple Teacher of the Year awards. During her career she also helped form the curriculum for the Magnet school program. After retirement she continued to volunteer during testing at the schools. Sally was also a member at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville where she continued to volunteer her time. She and John were season ticket holders for both Illini football and basketball, although Sally preferred attending basketball games. This didn’t stop her from serving on the board of the Illini Quarterback Club. Sally also enjoyed spending free time in various ladies’ social groups playing bridge and euchre and was an avid book reader and shopper.

A service to celebrate the life of Sally Eakle will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at St. James United Methodist Church, 504 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832. Reverend Dr. Donald Jackson will officiate. Cremation rites will follow services with a burial at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 AM prior to the service on Wednesday, also at St. James United Methodist Church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834 has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please join Sally’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.