Leona Mae Eastman

Leona was born February 2, 1922 at Beresford, South Dakota. She grew up at DeSmet and graduated from high school in 1940. Leona, also called Toni, began working as a switchboard operator with Northwestern Bell in the fall of 1941. In February of 1945, she entered the US Navy. Her Navy training was in Rochester, NY and she later served at the Naval Air Station at Ottumwa, IA. Toni served in the US Navy Reserve for two years following her discharge in the fall of 1946. She returned to her position with Northwestern Bell. Leona married LeRoy Eastman February 27, 1947 at United Methodist Church Parsonage in Beresford. They lived at Sioux Falls until 1952 and then moved to Beresford. Toni worked for Marv?s Drive-Inn and Trucktown at Beresford for many years. Leona and LeRoy came to Sioux Falls in 1982. LeRoy passed away in 1983. She was an active volunteer at the VA Medical Center for over 20 years. She was known to many people as ?Grandma TuTu?. Toni enjoyed playing cards, board games, Bingo, cross stitch and gardening. Toni was very proud of her service in the Navy. She was a member of the WAVES National, a founding member of the Prairie WAVES Unit #23 of South Dakota, VFW and American Legion Posts in Beresford. She is survived by her children, Karen McDowell, Centerville, Charles (Sharon) Eastman, Sioux Falls, Oliver Eastman, Sioux Falls, Nick Eastman, Centerville, Dale (Susan) Eastman, Sioux Falls, Charlynne (Larry) Smith, North Charleston, SC; 12 grandchildren, Kerry Mullinix, Melissa Eastman, Carl Miller, Jason Smith, Taylor Eastman, Stephen Eastman, Nathan Eastman, Nilleea Eastman, Lee Williams, Clarissa Williams, JR Williams; 11 great grandchildren, Michael Mullinix, Shelby Mullinix, Logan Mullinix, Dalton Jones, Lillian Eastman, Justin Miller, Westin Miller, Coltin Miller, Austin Miller, Kimberlynne Smith and Zach Darnell. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 11 siblings.