Valeria (Val) Eaton, 93, died October 22, 2020 at Signature Healthcare in Terre Haute, Indiana. Val was the born on November 29, 1926, to Claude Chase Robbins and Rena Thompson Robbins on their farm in Wasioja Township, Dodge County, Minnesota. She was the fourth of seven children. Through her father’s side, she was a descendent of many early colonial settlers to America, while her mother’s parents had emigrated from Norway.

When Val was 6 years old, the family moved to Mantorville, Minnesota. Val shared many stories about growing up in the small town of Mantorville. Her sister, Lorraine was the oldest and often helped by cooking new magazine recipes for the family. Her brothers, Bill, John, and Howard were known to be curious and inventive, making or building things around the house and yard. She and her sister Carol were closest in age, and she delighted in Carol’s ability to play the piano. Her youngest sister Donna, was the apple of her eye and her baby doll at birth. Val graduated Salutatorian of her 1944 Mantorville High School class. She attended one year of nursing school in Minneapolis. While in Minneapolis, she met Eugene (Gene) Eaton, who was home on leave from the Navy in World War II. They agreed to write to one another which evolved into a friendship and an eventual life-long partnership and loving relationship. Val and Gene were married on November 6, 1947. After traveling for work several years, they settled on buying wooded acreage in Morgan County, Indiana. The two tamed the land and built their own home surrounded by trees and nature. They had three daughters: Beverly (1956), Jane (1960) and Patty (1962). Gene and Val were dedicated to the community by supporting the Gregg Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Monroe-Gregg school district, and the Morgan County 4-H Club where they served as leaders for 10 years. Many young people learned to sew through Val’s guidance during that time. Val was known for her ability to listen, counsel, and teach in a loving and patient manner which positively impacted many in her lifetime.

Val was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Rena Robbins, her husband, Gene Eaton, her sister Lorraine (Robbins) Stussy, and her brothers, Wilbur Robbins and Howard Robbins. Val is survived by one brother John Robbins, and two sisters Carol (Robbins) Stuckey, and Donna (Robbins) Jordahl. She is survived by her children; Beverly (Eaton) and Dave Nickerson, Jane (Eaton) and Dave Brockes, and Patty Eaton. She is survived by her dear grandchildren, David and April Brockes, Darren Brockes, Chase Spier, and Caitlin Spier. She is survived by two great grandchildren, Connor Brockes and Alexis Brockes. She is also survived by her sister in law, Grayce (Eaton) Williams and many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces. A Celebration of Life for Val Eaton will be held at a future date at the First Congregational Church located at 630 Ohio Street, Terre Haute, Indiana. An Entombment of Ashes Ceremony will take place with intimate family at the Nebo Memorial Mausoleum in Morgantown, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Val’s honor to the following organizations:

Morgan County 4-H/ Purdue Extension Office 180 S. Main St. #229 Martinsville, IN 46151

First Congregational Church Mayflower Guild 630 Ohio Street, Terre Haute, IN, 47803

Special thanks to all our friends and family and to Greiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services for excellent service. An obituary can be found at www.greinerfuneralhome.com

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