GIFFORD – Val Jean Eaton, 89, of Gifford, IL, and formerly of Steeleville passed away at 7:00 PM, on Monday, April 22, 2019, at Country Health Care and Rehab in Gifford, Illinois.

Val Jean was born on March 25, 1930 in Sparta, Illinois the daughter of Walter Mines and Verna nee Gerlach Mines. She was baptized on April 13, 1930 at Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh, Illinois, and confirmed on April 2, 1944 at Zion Lutheran Church. She was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville before having to move to assisted living in Champaign, IL.

Val Jean married Donald Eaton on November 1, 1947. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2011.

Val was a loving and caring wife and mother her entire life. Even while battling Alzheimer's her care givers would often comment on how helpful, loving and caring she was to everyone.

She is survived by two sons; Stephen (Donna) Eaton of Sparta, and David (Judy) Eaton of Steeleville; one daughter, Cynthia (Todd) Goetting, of Sidney, IL; 7 grandchildren; Christopher (Bambi) Eaton, Nathan (Amber) Eaton, Stephanie (Andy) Rains, Jamie (Jeremy) Pierce, Sherri (Gary) Buch, Mitchell (Marion) Goetting, and Megan (Mark) Wertz, 12 great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.

Val was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Walter Mines, Jr., and Bernell Mines; one sister, Opal Ragland.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville with Minister Deb Rathert officiating. Burial will follow at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning at the church where friends may call from 9:30 to 12 Noon. Memorials may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL. Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville is assisting the family with arrangements.