Ethel Gail Eakright

Ethel Gail Eakright, 66, North Manchester, passed away peacefully at her home in North Manchester, Indiana, on June 18, 2026. Born on November 26, 1959, in Ironton, Ohio, to Riley and Vonda (Sherman) Snell, Ethel's life was marked by dedication, love, and resilience.

At a young age, Ethel faced the profound loss of her parents, a hardship that she met with remarkable strength that would shape the way she thought of and treated her own family. In her tenth-grade year, she relocated with her family from Ohio to Indiana. On June 9, 1984, in Ijamsville, Indiana, she married DeWayne D. Eakright. The two shared more than four decades of marriage, during which they raised their family with devotion.

Ethel’s strong work ethic was evident both inside and outside the home. She held positions at Custom Magnetics in North Manchester and at Heckman Bindery, contributing diligently to each workplace. Additionally, she served as the Dispatcher and Secretary for her husband’s company, Get-R-Done, where her organizational skills shone. A woman who valued order and efficiency, she managed her responsibilities with grace and determination.

Her family gatherings were moments of joy and connection, where Ethel loved to cook and bring everyone together. She was a loving mother and grandmother, whose warmth and care enriched the lives of those around her. Her bond with her siblings was close and cherished, highlighting the importance she placed on family ties. Among her many pastimes, she particularly enjoyed playing euchre with family members, a tribute to her joyful spirit and love of companionship. Ethel was a woman that loved the Lord with all her heart.

The loving memory of Ethel Gail Eakright will be forever cherished by her husband, DeWayne Eakright, North Manchester; children, Erica Howard, Brian D. Eakright, Ruth (Matt) Music, Katie Eakright, Charles H. Eakright, all of North Manchester, and Suzanne Sewell, Paintsville, Kentucky; seventeen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Rhonda Morgan, Ijamsville, Joy Dennison, Fort Wayne, Marilyn Stagle, Spokane, Washington, and Goldie Hitlaw, Fort Wayne. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald, Ronal, Dennis, and Ricky Snell; and sister Mary Justice.

Family and friends may call Monday, June 22, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Paul Rupert officiating. Burial will be held at the South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Ethel Eakright, memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation, P.O. Box 160112, Miami, Florida 33116-0112.

The family of Ethel Eakright has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.