Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Wanda Eastin
Nov 12th, 1937 - Apr 11th, 2023It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wanda L. Eastin, 85, early Tuesday morning, April 11, 2023, surrounded by her friends and family in Denver, Colorado. Wanda, born on November 12, 1937, to Lewis and Nora (Warren) DeSelms in Zenith, now rural Xenia.
Wanda’s early life was spent as a typical kid in Zenith/Johnsonville, Illinois. Wanda and her parents relocated where she would attend the Flora Junior and High School and it was there at the Flora High School where Wanda met her late husband, Russel Dean Eastin. Married on March 3, 1957, at the Flora Community of Christ Church, they were inseparable from that point on. After graduating high school, Wanda went on to pursue a degree in Home Economics from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, as well as a BS in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University. Wanda fell in love with teaching and taught for 25 years at North Clay CUSD as a kindergarten and 5th grade teacher.
Wanda had the biggest heart and the most beautiful smile. She was a private and quiet person, but also very witty and fun! She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive, loving and compassionate. One of her greatest joys was traveling with her family. Her most cherished memories included church reunions, cross-country journeys, and numerous trips to Florida.
As a child her personality came to life when on occasion she would sing live on radio, way before TV was mainstream. Wanda’s musical abilities continued throughout her life as she participated in Flora community theatre groups, Sweet Adeline quartets and numerous church choirs. One of her big adventures in her retirement life in which she and Russell spent the winters in Florida included working for Walt Disney World, in character, as Minnie Mouse.
Family came first. Wanda learned to be an exceptional mother to her family and special needs child. In this role she remained supportive, kind, and dedicated to the call.
Wanda is survived by two sons, R. Scott Eastin of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Tim (Julie) Eastin of Denver, Colorado, a daughter Lisa Eastin of Fairfield, Illinois, and four grandchildren: Dr. Marc and Marcela Eastin, Hannah and Captain Nick Le Tourneau USAF, Elizabeth Ann Eastin of Kansas City, Missouri, and Jackson Eastin of Denver, Colorado.
Wanda was predeceased by her parents and husband; her stepmother, Edna DeSelms; two sisters, Geraldine Clements and Darlene Pierce; and a stepsister, Marva Mae Moore.
Wanda remained a faithful Christian for her entire life, finding Christ to be her source of joy and strength and furthermore created an inseparable bond with the Community of Christ (RLDS) family. Wanda's life gave breath to Proverbs 31. “Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates to come.”
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Community of Christ Church in Flora. Interment will follow in Brush Creek Cemetery, south of Xenia. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday evening, April 28, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Wanda’s name to Fenney Cottage, 402 W. Douglas Street, Fairfield, IL 62837. Donations will also be accepted at the Funeral Home. To share a condolence or a memory of Wanda’s life, please visit www.frankandbright.com.