Barbara Beach, 93 of Valparaiso, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Barbara had spent the previous day doing what she loved - being with her children, hiking and relaxing at The Indiana Dunes, enjoying the fall colors, beautiful weather, and splendid company.
Barbara was born June 5, 1933, to the late William and Elsie Eigelsbach. She graduated from Valparaiso High School, attended Valparaiso University, and made her career as a seamstress with Philley Manufacturing Company. She was a founding and active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, where she served on the altar guild for many years. Barbara’s devout and unwavering Christian faith guided her throughout her life. She loved her family immensely, especially supporting her grandchildren in their lives and extracurricular activities. Barbara’s gentle soul, kind and quiet nature, and unselfish heart will be her legacy.
Barbara is survived by her children: Karen (Allen) Kent, Steve (Cathy) Beach, Virginia Reinhertz, all of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Britney) Kent, Andrea (James) Creighton, Shawn (Sheena) Ewing, Jason Beach, Ryan Beach, Michael (Lauren) Reinhertz, Joel (Alyssa) Reinhertz, Mother-in-law to Scott Reinhertz; great grandchildren: Evan, Judah, Nicholas, John, Luke, Evie, Emmy, Bella, and Rogue. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, John A. Beach; siblings: Bill, Margaret, and Rob; and nephew, Billy.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 234 W. Division Rd., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., Rev. William Foy officiating. Burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A Poem from Barbara’s Children
Written June 5, 2013
‘Ode to Mom
Behind your quiet nature
There lives a gentle soul,
Who taught her children the Golden Rule,
For kindness was your goal.
You taught us not to judge but find
The good in others’ ways.
This path we’ve tried to follow
As we’ve lived out all our days.
We look at you and marvel
At the help you give us all,
For so unselfish is our heart,
To give of yourself is your call.
Sewing wasn’t just a hobby
It became your livelihood.
You taught your daughters how to sew
And made sure that we were good.
We learned from you to never miss
An opportunity when it knocks.
You never know what might have been,
‘Cuz we can’t turn back the clocks.
We thank you for the Christian faith
You raised us to always follow.
For without that life of fellowship,
Our lives would be truly hollow.
This ‘ode comes with love and pride.
We thank you for your life of love,
As you’ve been a model guide.
GUESTBOOK
Steve, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. You are in my thought. -Lori Bales
Barb is one of the most kind, gentle, and beautiful souls I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is a shining example of a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers of comfort are with her family and friends during this very difficult time. -Christine Webb
Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Her and John were friends of ours. John and my husband Phil Johnson graduated together. Prayers for your family. -Joan Johnson
Pretty much my second Mother growing up with this wonderful family living just two houses away. Kind, caring and funny as was her late husband, John. So many sweet memories of a simpler time and place. Condolences to Karen, Ginny and Steve and all who knew this beautiful soul. -Barry Pavicic
My sincere condolences to the Beach family. -Lora Foster
My condolences to the family and friends of Barbara. She was an angel to all of us. -Bernice Chumley
On behalf of all the Bennetts: Our condolences to Karen, Steve, and Ginny on the loss of your sweet mom. She was always a moment of sunshine. -Bill, Becky, Brad, Bryan, Bruce, and Brent -Bryan Bennett
My condolences to Karen, Steve, and Ginny. You are in my thoughts and prayers. -Dave Linton
Barbara was such a sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve, Cathy, Ginny, Karen and all of her family. Rest in peace Barbara. -Lisa Ewing
