Melinda Sue Eastin

Melinda “Sue” (Samson) Eastin, passed peacefully to her heavenly home Monday, May 12, 2025, at Willow Breeze - Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice House, Mattoon, IL.

Sue was born on September 11, 1947, the daughter of Frank Jr (Izzy) and Betty (Fackler) Samson. Sue graduated from Unity High School, Tolono.

She married Edward Michael (Mike) Eastin, December 6, 1999, they enjoyed traveling adventures across the country, from National Parks to watching nighttime NASA launches with their Cocoa Beach friends. They were married 24 years before Mike’s passing April 9, 2024.

Sue was also preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Kenneth Lee Samson.

Surviving are bonus sons: Chris, James (Stephanie), Andrew (Pat), bonus grandchildren Drew Eastin (Jade), Kyah (Alex), Ty, Conner, Pate and Hunter Eastin, and great-grandchildren Ezra Eastin and Oakley Minnich; sister-in-law Cathy Samson (wife of Kenneth), brother James (Pam), sisters Mary Bennett, Bonnie Samson, and Joyce (Bryce) Rutter. Nieces and nephews Vicki Buffo (Jeremiah), Nichole Samson, Holly Bennett Barnhart (Brett), Brian Bennett (Jodi), Curtis Samson, Sara Samson, Jean Samson McCarthy (Phil), Katherine Samson, Matthew Ruhnow, John Ruhnow, David Ruhnow, Nathan Ruhnow, Megan Rutter Kohnen (Paul), Erin Rutter, Spencer Rutter (Esther) and great-nieces and nephews: Morgan and Riley Amdor, Maria Buffo, Bridget, Broderick, Julia and Kit Barnhart, Brianna, Macanna, Alanna, and Gianna Bennett, Brooklyn and Shelby Samson, James and Edy McCarthy, Beatrice and John Kohnen.

Sue began playing accordion as a young girl, she won awards at the Illinois State Fair and was part of an accordion band. Sue later taught herself piano and organ which she played at church, organizations, and special events.

Sue was an active member of Tolono United Methodist Church, the Order of Rainbow for Girls in which she served as Mother Advisor and was selected for district and statewide honors, including Mother Advisor of the Year.

Sue retired from Unit #7 Schools in 2002, after working 30 years as Administrative Assistant in the Administration Office, then served as Secretary of Tolono Methodist Church.

Sue was official score keeper for Unity High School Girls Volleyball and Basketball, and Track & Field Events, for more than 30 years. She assisted in the Boys Football announcers booth and Invitational Track Meet. Sue was recognized by the IHSA for her contributions. She also was scorekeeper for University of Illinois Womens Volleyball and Basketball. Sue was a Saint Louis Cardinal’s Fan, attending games at Busch Stadium and she and Mike traveled to watch Spring Training games. Sue was the ultimate sports fan, often watching one sport on tv, while listening to another on radio, and reaching out via Facebook with her most often asked question, “Does anyone know the score of…”

Sue was skilled at needlepoint and crochet and created many beautiful gifts for friends and family. And sent her often requested chocolate chip cookies to family and friends across the country and around the world to those serving in the military.

Sue’s wardrobe ran the gamut of formalwear to gear supporting her favorite teams. In her honor, those who attend services may choose to dress up or dress to support Unity High School or University of Illinois sports, or Saint Louis Cardinals baseball.

Services will be held Sunday, May 18 at the United Methodist Church of Tolono, 301 North Bourne, Rev Ken Young of Fountain of Life Fellowship will officiate.

Visitation 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Funeral at 2:00 p.m., Internment Davis Cemetery, Pesotum.

Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House, or Willow Breeze Hospice house.

The service may be attended virtually through ZOOM:

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85146596034?pwd=WkNhMExOQkcwa3h2RG03MVo0Wm1qZz09

Meeting ID: 851 4659 6034

Passcode: 974745

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