Betty Jean Eastman

Betty Jean Eastman passed away at her home in Hemlock, Michigan, on February 16, 2016, in the presence of her children. Betty was born in the hills of Union Furnace, Ohio, to Victor and Charlotte (Blosser) Loomis. When Betty was fourteen months old, her mother died. She was adopted by her grandparents Elmer and Flora Loomis and their children Zelpha, Walt, Pat, Nell, and Hazel, who gave her a loving family. At a young age, she moved to Porter Township, Michigan, during the oil boom. She had wonderful memories of both childhood homes. Betty graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1942, where she was valedictorian, served as student council president, and was awarded the DAR citizenship award. There she met Douglas Eastman. They married at 18 and started their 69-year journey together. Doug passed away in 2012. While Doug was in WW II, Betty worked in a gun plant in Saginaw. After the war, they moved to Merrill, where they built their own home and raised their four children. Later, Betty worked as an LPN at both Saginaw General and St. Luke's Hospitals, where she found her niche in pediatrics. She and Doug played LOTS of golf, including at St Andrews in Scotland, traveled in their camper, rode their motorcycle, and loved attending their grandchildren's sporting events. She spent many hours gardening and would often leave baskets of berries on her children's doorsteps. Betty was an avid reader and always had a challenging crossword puzzle within reach. She had a way with flowers, and appreciated all things beautiful in nature - but especially flowers. She collected sand dollars, driftwood, and Petoskey stones. Her creative abilities flowed in many areas, including painting and sewing. She made homecoming, prom, and bridesmaid's gowns for her daughters - even a wedding gown. She also handcrafted wool braided rugs for her home, blending colors with an artful flair. Long before it became a popular hobby, Betty made all of her own Christmas cards, each one created especially for its recipient. Betty attended Breckenridge Congregational Church, whose members remembered and supported her long after she could no longer attend. Betty is survived by her four children: Suzanne Eastman (Ken Winter), Ann Arbor; Jon Eastman, Hemlock; Jane (John) Doan, Hemlock; and Cindy (Tim) Ward, Wheeler. Also, her grandchildren, Randy Esmer, Rob Esmer, Greg (Becca) Esmer, Jeremy (Robin) Doan, Natalie (Shane) Wiltse, Laura (Dave) Toppazinni, Claudia (Marcus) Collins, Casey (Erika) Ward, Rafe (Nicole) Ward, and Melanie Vedrode. She also leaves 14 great-grandchildren. She is survived by a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Jack Eastman of Midland. Betty's much-loved sister, Doris Metzger, and Doris's husband Bob predeceased her. Half brothers Dick Alberry, John Loomis, and Don Loomis also preceded her in death. She is survived by half-sister Carol Ervin and half-brother Harold Loomis, all from Ohio. There will be a private family memorial at a later date, when Betty and Doug's ashes will be united. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603