Eva Daniel Ulrich

Eva Daniel Ulrich passed away on Friday, the 13th, 2016, at her residence at Spring Harbor. She was 96 years young. Eva was born on May 12, 1920, in Roanoke, Alabama, daughter of William Alvin Daniel and Bertie Carl Hester. As all of her family and friends would acknowledge, she was, as one of her cousins called her, a force of nature. As an example, Eva did not retire until the age of 92 from her own accounting business. Eva grew up in LaGrange, GA. She was an only child but had a very large extended family. Academics were very important to her and Eva was the first person in her family to go to college. She grew up during the depression, and although her family had little money, they sent her to West Ga. College, in Carrollton, GA. While there, she was the student body secretary/treasurer, and was a member of two national honorary fraternities, Mu Zeta Alpha (science) and Zeta Sigma Pi (Social Science) as well as belonging to other organizations and clubs. She attended Georgia State College for Women for her last two years, where she was the Editor of the school Year Book and received a Bachelor of Science degree.

It was World War II and men were being drafted. Eva would eventually hold down three different men’s jobs in business, qualifying her for the status of Rosie the Riveter. One of those jobs was as one of 6 civilians assigned to help start up Lawson Army Air Field, at Fort Benning, GA, where she was head of the Stock Records Section.

While working at Fort Benning, she met and married Richard Ward Ulrich, a young Army lieutenant, stationed there. The first time he saw her, he was smitten with her beautiful smile and quick laugh. He approached her and asked her if she would marry him. They were married 3 weeks later. A soldier’s lark turned into a solid marriage, army style, filled with family, travel, love and laughter. They lived in Japan for a year and a half. They traveled across the USA and Europe, either by themselves, with their two children, or grandchildren. Through the years, Eva and Dick loved to play golf, dance, sail, garden, have parties, and participate in all manner of “kid and grandkid” events. They were both members of the Georgia Power Squadron and the Audubon Society. Eva was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. Baseball had been part of her life from childhood as an uncle was a major league player and her father was a team manager. Dick Ulrich, her best friend and partner passed away December 19, 1990.

When Dick and Eva retired from the Army, they returned to Columbus, where Eva became an independent business woman. She opened Ulrich Accounting in 1968, taking on a partner, Juanita Parsons, in 1974. The business was dissolved in 2012, when Eva retired at the age of 92.

Outside of her professional career, Eva was a Servant Leader before the phrase became popular. No matter where her army life took her, Eva’s volunteer leadership and efforts were evident in many areas of both the Army and the Civilian Community. Eva was always an advocate for young girls and young women. She became active in Girl Scouts in 1950 when her daughter became a Brownie. Eva, eventually, was the President of Concharty Girl Scout Council, here in Columbus, for 7 years. She was the Charter President of Old Ninety Six Girl Scout Council, in Greenville, SC from 1963-1966, a National Trainer, 1961 to 1964, and a Region VI Committee member from 1961-1969. She received the highest adult award in Girl Scouting, The Thanks Badge.

In 1969, Eva’s dedication to service led her to join Altrusa International, Inc., a Professional Business Women’s service organization. She held various offices in the local club, to include President. In 1988 Eva was elected District Governor and served on the International Board of Directors from 1988-1990. In 1993, she was elected to serve as International Treasurer, attending the International Convention in Christ Church, New Zealand. She remained a member until her death.

In 1988, Eva was one of Columbus’s first Women of Achievement. She was honored for exemplifying “the Girl Scout philosophy – Dare to Dream – encouraging girls to take risks and have the courage to make their dreams come true.”

Eva held a deep affection for her alma mater, the University of West Ga, and made every effort to attend class reunions, the last one for her being in 2013. She kept in touch with many of her classmates along with other friends and acquaintances scattered across the country and the world. She was an avid correspondent, staying in touch through letters, cards, phone calls, and eventually, emails.

Eva is survived by her daughter, Eva Ulrich Chappelle & son-in-law, LTC (Ret.) John C. (Butch) Chappelle, of Columbus, GA, a son, Richard Ward Ulrich Jr., of Florence, Oregon; granddaughters: Alexis Belman, of Columbus, GA, and Kristin Yashko (Greg), of Clifton, VA; grandsons: David Johnston (Sue), of Opelika, AL; Nathan Ulrich, of Florence, OR; Greyson Chappelle (Susan), of Columbus, GA and Ryan Chappelle (Ally) of Dalton, GA. One niece, Kathy Mitchell (Michael) of Dunedin, FL., and two great nieces; Ali DiSabatino (Matt) of Lewes, DE; and Erin Waller (David) of Oviedo, FL. Eva was blessed with 13 great grandchildren and 6 great grand nieces and nephews. She was also fortunate to have continued close relationships with several family cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held 4:00 PM, Saturday, May 28, 2016 at the WWII Company Street Chapel at the National Infantry Museum followed by a “Happy Hour” Celebration of Eva’s life in the Heritage Hall inside the Museum from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. (Including food, drink, and dancing). Parking will be in front of the Museum with Tram service provided from the front of the Museum to the Chapel and return. Only Handicapped and immediate family parking will be at the Chapel.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jamal Mohyuddin, the dedicated and caring Health Care staff at Spring Harbor, and Columbus Hospice, for the professional and compassionate care given to Eva as well as the tremendous support given to the family.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Infantry Museum, 1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, GA 31903; Columbus Hospice, 7020 Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909; or the University of West Ga, Attn.: Frank Pritchett, 1601 Maple St, Carrollton, GA 30118.