Sandra K. Eakright, 73, Columbia City, died at 8:47 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne where she was admitted on Wednesday.

She was born Nov. 4, 1942, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of Adrian C. and Doris R. (Peconga) Bevington. In 1949 her family moved to Tri Lakes. She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School. In 1960, she moved to Columbia City and later Allen County for 10 years before returning to Tri Lakes in 1973. On October 30, 1986 she was united in marriage to Dale E. Eakright. They have always made their home in Columbia City moving to their present home in 1998.

A day care provider for 29 years, NaNa retired in July 2015. She also did foster parenting for nearly 15 years.

She was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.

Surviving relatives include her husband: Dale; five children: Christopher (Roxsann) Carter, Tri Lakes; Mark Carter, Columbia City; Patrick (Amy) Carter, Churubusco; Michael (Cindy) Cater, Lebanon, Pa.; and Anna (Todd) Reimer, Warsaw; seven grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; three stepsons: Michael Eakright, Fishers; Brian Eakright, Ks.; and Douglas Eakright, Churubusco; seven step-grandchildren; three sisters and a brother: Cheryl Klopfenstein, Alachua, Fla.; Deborah Fox, Camby; Charles Bevington, Fort Wayne; and Tonda Lindsey, Gainesville, Fla.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Judith Lickey.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at St. Paul of The Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will also be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials are to masses of A.B.L.E. Families.