Sally Jo Birkle, 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Thursday, March 29, 208 at Alderbrook Village in Arkansas City.

Born November 12, 1938 in Wauneta, Kansas, she was the daughter of Robert Lee and LaVerna Opal (Greathouse) Foster. She was raised on a farm in Wauneta, attending Prairie Center Elementary School where she was the only child in her class until the 7th grade, and graduating from Sedan High School in 1956. She furthered her education at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in January 1959 and becoming a Registered Nurse. She started her career working in Dr. Paul Craig's office in Tulsa. Sally worked at William Newton Hospital as a day shift surgical nurse as well as numerous other positions including, night shift house supervisor and ICU Nurse. She retired in 1993.

She was united in marriage to Joe E. Birkle, Jr. on January 17, 1971. The couple made their home outside of Winfield. He preceded her in death on October 25, 2008. Sally was a member of the Round Mound Church, the Critical Care Nurse's Association and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, embroidery, gardening and canning, but most of all loved making deserts for monthly family dinners and giving hugs.

Her family includes:
Her sons: David Bruce Dugan of Winfield; Randy Birkle of Florida;
Her daughter: Vicki Birkle of Winfield;
Her brothers: Mack Foster and wife, Donna of Denver, CO; Don Foster and wife, Arlene of Montana;
Her sisters: Carol Shull and husband, Jack of Winfield; Nancy Blair of Rose, OK;
Her sisters-in-law: Donna Ruf and husband, Rhodney of Wichita Falls, TX; Betty Black of Clinton, OK; Martha Birkle of Winfield;
Her grandchildren: Vanessa, Michael, Hayley and Rylee;
Her great grandchildren: Valisity, Viviana, Annabelle, Sheyenne, Kash and one on the way; and
Numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sally was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Elizabeth Faith Pinkston, brothers, Bill Foster, David Foster and Dan Foster, and sisters, LeOpal Royalty, Nina Belle Donohue, Mary Clark, Lucy Bennett and Mickey Armbrister.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Round Mound Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 to 8. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Sally's name for First Baptist Church in Winfield and for the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.