Mrs. Sarah Ann (Eckman) Humbaugh, 84, of Washington, IN, passed away on March 21, 2019, at St. Vincent Hospital Evansville.
Sarah was born November 22, 1934, in Huntington, IN, the third child of Glade King Eckman and Mildred Emily (Thorpe) Eckman of Warren, IN. She was named after her great-grandmother, Sarah Ann (Cusick) King and descended from Revolutionary War ancestor Jacob Eckman, who died while encamped with Washington at Valley Forge. Also known as Sally, she attended public schools in Huntington County’s Salamonie Township and graduated from Warren High School in 1952. After attending Indiana University, she landed a job with Trans World Airlines in Indianapolis, IN. There she met Rex E. Humbaugh, whom she married on December 13, 1958. They were married more than sixty years, and he survives.
She excelled in athletics and was an avid sports enthusiast. She broke gender barriers as a young woman by participating in basketball, baseball and other then-male dominated sports and was recruited to play women’s professional baseball in the 1950’s. In Washington, she was well known for her prowess in tennis, winning local women’s singles and doubles tourneys. In later years, she enjoyed golfing with friends in the women’s league at the Washington Country Club.
Sally relished a good auction and had an eye for unusual and interesting finds.
In the spring, she could be found gardening in her flower beds, dropping a line in a fishing hole until twilight or morel mushroom hunting with family in local woods. For many years, she was a substitute teacher in the Washington Community Schools.
She and her husband enjoyed travel all their lives, beginning with a honeymoon in Arosa, Switzerland. They appreciated adventures to Spain, Russia, Mexico, Venezuela and the US Virgin Islands.
A life-long Republican, she was active in civic activities and in her church. In the 1970’s she served as Daviess County Mental Health Chair and volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program. She was a long time member of Christ United Methodist Church, the Washington Monday Afternoon Club and the Kappa Kappa Kappa sorority. She most recently served as treasurer for the Beta Zeta Associate Chapter of Tri-Kappa.
Other survivors include sons Kraig E. Humbaugh of Frankfort, KY, Peter W. Humbaugh of Haubstadt, IN and his wife Stacey, and Erich K. Humbaugh of West Lafayette, IN, and his wife Amy. Granddaughters Hillary and Halle Humbaugh of Haubstadt, IN, and a sister, Jane (Eckman) Bear of Craigville, IN, also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, William T. Eckman of Warren, IN, and a sister, Mary L. (Eckman) Tam, of Elwood, IN.
There will be a visitation on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Gill Funeral Home from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with a funeral service following on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. conducted by Rev. Ken Wells at Christ United Methodist Church, with visitation from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Sarah will be laid to rest in Plainville Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church 104 N. Meridian St. Washington, IN 47501 or Gibson Southern Scholarship, Inc. In memory of Sarah Humbaugh, P.O. Box 319 Princeton, IN 47670.