Sally Jo Tinkel

Sally graduated as Valedictorian of the Liberty Center High School Class of 1961. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Education from Ball State University, followed by two Master of Science degrees from the University of Saint Francis in guidance and counseling.

Education was not simply a profession for Sally—it was her calling. Over the course of 43 years in education, she influenced the lives of countless students. She began her career teaching second grade in Jackson Township, taught Home Economics at Ossian High School, and served nine years as a guidance counselor at Southern Wells High School. She furthered her passion spending 30 years as a guidance counselor at Homestead High School, retiring in 2007. Even in retirement, she continued supporting future educators as an IPFW student teacher supervisor.

Beyond counseling, Sally was deeply involved in school life. She coached the girls’ golf team, worked the gate at football and basketball games, and was a familiar voice as the announcer for boys’ and girls’ soccer games, including the State Finals. Her dedication to education extended beyond the school building. She served on the Ball State Alumni Board and the Ball State Teachers College Board of Directors, was a presenter at state and national guidance counselor conferences and served her community as a member of the Northern Wells School Board.

Sally was the oldest of twelve children, and throughout her life she naturally became the steady presence and matriarch of the Holloway family, a role she embraced with pride and love. She was deeply devoted to her family and friends, always showing up when it mattered most.

Sally is survived by her children and grandchildren: Scott (Janet) Tinkel, and their children, Madison Tinkel and Spencer (Bridget) Tinkel; Julie (Tinkel) Bennett of Fort Wayne, and her children, Jackson Bennett and Ashlynn Bennett; and Amy (James) Atkinson.

She is also survived by her siblings, Danny (Rose) Anderson, Jerridean (Don) Lehman, Jon (Carla) Holloway, Jody (Jodi) Holloway, and Jay (Marie) Holloway, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Dean Holloway (1981) and Martha Ferne (Starr) Holloway (2011), and her siblings Stanley Jack Holloway (2000), Sara Jane (Holloway) Jarrett (2011), Jenelle (Holloway) Webb (2014), Steven James “Jim” Holloway (2014), LeAnna “Jill” (Holloway) Ellenberger (2023), and Jeffery Holloway (2025).

She remained active in many organizations including, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, professional counseling organizations, professional education associations, and genealogy groups. Sally enjoyed many hobbies that reflected her creativity and curiosity. She loved sewing, knitting, cross-stitching, genealogy, and spending time at the library. She had a love for music and played the accordion, even performing in band during her school years. She also loved gathering around the card table with friends and family, especially to play bridge and euchre, where her competitive spirit and laughter were always present.

Sally also knew how to enjoy life and bring people together. Her home was often a gathering place where family and friends could be found around the table playing cards, sharing stories, and laughing late into the evening. She loved a good game of bridge or euchre and was known for tapping her card on the table when something good was going to happen. Around the card table she was competitive but calm and had a way of making everyone feel comfortable and included. In many ways, that reflected how she lived her life—steady, thoughtful, and always paying attention to the people around her. Whether through a conversation, a card game, or a bit of encouragement at just the right time, Sally had a gift for bringing people together and making them feel like they belonged.

Sally will be remembered for the way she showed up for people. Sally believed deeply in the potential of every student and helped others see what they were capable of becoming. As a guidance counselor, she had a remarkable ability to see something in people before they saw it in themselves. She pushed students to do the hard things and held them to high standards because she knew they were capable of more. She believed in working hard and doing the right thing--even when it was difficult. Whether you were family, a friend, or one of the many students who passed through her office, she made sure you knew someone believed in you.

A memorial gathering will be on April 23, 2026, at D.O. McComb & Sons- Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be on April 24, 2026, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations in Sally’s honor may be made to the College of Adaptive Arts or Ball State University, both of which were close to her heart.

Sally and her family were long-time supporters of the College of Adaptive Arts, co-founded by her niece, DeAnna Ellenberger Pursai, in honor of her sister, Angel. The College expands educational pathways for adults with developmental disabilities, offering lifelong learning through hands-on, real-world experiences. Students engage in areas such as the visual and performing arts, music, dance, business and communication, health and wellness, and technology—building practical skills, confidence, and meaningful community connections.

Sally was a proud graduate of Ball State University, where she served for many years on the Alumni Council and the Teachers College Board, reflecting her lifelong dedication to education and service.

Donations may be mailed to:

College of Adaptive Arts

c/o Co-Founder DeAnna Ellenberger Pursai

14000 Fruitvale Ave.

Saratoga, CA 95070

The Ball State University Foundation, please mail donations to: 2800 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, IN 47304, attention: Cari Huffman, please note memo on the check Alumni Association.