Melinda "Sue" Eastin

PESOTUM - Melinda "Sue" (Samson) Eastin, 77, of Pesotum passed peacefully to her heavenly home Monday (May 12, 2025) at Willow Breeze Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice House, Coles County.

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

She married Edward Michael (Mike) Eastin on Dec. 6, 1999. They enjoyed traveling adventures across the country, from national parks to watching nighttime NASA launches with their friends in Cocoa Beach, Fla. They were married for 24 years before Mike's passing on April 9, 2024.

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

Surviving are her bonus sons, Chris, James (Stephanie) and Andrew (Pat); bonus grandchildren, Drew Eastin (Jade) and Kyah (Alex), Ty, Conner, Pate and Hunter Eastin; bonus great-grandchildren, Ezra Eastin and Oakley Minnich; a sister-in-law, Cathy Samson (wife of Kenneth); a brother, James (Pam); three sisters, Mary Bennett, Bonnie Samson and Joyce (Bryce) Rutter; 15 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 and Spencer Rutter (Esther); and 17 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 and the Order of Rainbow for Girls, in which she served as Mother Adviser and was selected for district and statewide honors, including Mother Adviser of the Year.

Sue retired from the Unit 7 school district in 2002 after working 30 years as administrative assistant in the administration office, then served as secretary of Tolono Methodist Church.

Sue was official scorekeeper for Unity High School girls' volleyball, basketball and track-and-field events for more than 30 years. She assisted in the football announcers' booth and Invitational Track Meet. Sue was recognized by the IHSA for her contributions. She also was scorekeeper for University of Illinois women's volleyball and basketball.

Sue was a St. Louis Cardinals 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. She also 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 UI sports, or St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Services will be on Sunday, May 18, at the United Methodist Church of Tolono, 301 N. Bourne St. The Rev. Ken Young of Fountain of Life Fellowship will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. with the funeral at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Davis Cemetery, Pesotum.

The service may be attended virtually through Zoom by calling 312-626-6799 or going to zoom.us/join and entering the meeting ID of 851 4659 6034 and passcode 974745.

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