Dora J. Eastman

Dora J. (Yates) Eastman, age 78 left this world surrounded by her children on Saturday, October 16, 2010, and went with Jesus to the paradise He promised to prepare for her. Dora was born on March 11, 1932 in Coleman, MI, to the late Earnest & Mary (Egebert) Yates attending high School in St. Louis, MI. On November 6, 1948 she married Don R. Eastman by the Rev. John Batdorf. After spending a brief time in Flint, they moved to Mt. Haley Twp. in 1950 and later to the Breckenridge area. Dora and Don were blessed with four children: Judy Eastman of Missoula, Montana, Peggy (John ) Johnson of Midland, James (Karen) Eastman of Shepherd and Suzan (Al) Rassmussan of St. Louis, MI. Their family grew to include 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Don predeceased Dora on October 19, 1997 and she was also predeceased by her parents, two infant sisters, sisters, Mary Lou Lewis Ruth Gothoup, brothers, Orville Yates and Earnest Yates Jr., grandson Don Eastman, in laws James & Gladys Eastman, brother and sister in law Richard & Peg Eastman. Dora is survived by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, sisters May Altman of Coleman, Lorraine Munger of Florida, Bonnie Owens of Farwell and brother Jerry Yates of Maryland, her brother and sister in law Ted & Marge Eastman and by her dear friends, Stella Mastaw, Karen Gould, and Ruby Behnke, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dora has been a member of the Church of God for over 50 years, serving in various capacities, but for 25 years she was in charge of the registration of campers at the St. Louis Camp Meeting. She was a charter member of the Crane Home Extension. Dora loved to garden, sew, travel and work with ceramics. Loving children was the focus of Dora's life - her own and for 24 years she and Don were foster parents to children in need of a loving, nurturing home - believing what Jesus said in Matthew 18:5, "Whoever receives a child in MY name receives Me". Many young children were blessed to spend time in their home. Dora will be sadly missed by all who knew her and were touched by her life.

Funeral service for Dora will be conducted at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 20, 2010 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with the Reverend Doris Lyons officiating. Interment will be in Porter Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 and at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 am until time of service. Memorials may be offered to the Shiner's Hospital for Crippled Children. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com