Joan (Wright) Eastley's Obituary
Big Rapids Joan (Wright) Eastley, 79, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born January 30, 1930 in Detroit, the daughter of George and Lillian (Masselink) Wright, and moved to Big Rapids as an infant, graduating from Big Rapids High School in 1948. Joan earned her B.S. in Education from Michigan State University, and later earned her Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan. In 1951, Joan married Ross E. Eastley, and they moved to Grandville in 1962. She taught 8th grade English for several years, and then later was Head Librarian for the Grandville School District until retiring. Her husband Ross preceded Joan in death in 1991, and in 1992 she returned home to Big Rapids, where she had lived since. Joan enjoyed the time spent at their cottage on Clear Lake, and was formerly a member of Meceola Country Club. She was an avid sailor, loved to play bridge, and enjoyed reading. Joan was proud of the fact that she was the granddaughter of Ferris State Universitys second president, Gerritt Masselink. Surviving are 2 sons, Robert (Janice) Eastley of Big Rapids, Mark (Fiance Margaret Alexander) Eastley of Grand Rapids; 5 grandchildren, Amy, Sarah, Adrienne, Brock, and Melanie; 2 great grandchildren, Jackson and Rayna; 1 sister, Nancy (Kenneth) Kuper of Zionsville, Indiana; 1 brother-in-law, Jack Biddlecome of Battle Creek; and several nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her grandsons Ross and Mitchell Eastley, and sister Janet Biddlecome. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Dean Prentiss officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Memorial contributions for the First United Methodist Church or the Ronald McDonald House may be left at the funeral home, where Joans family will greet friends today (Friday, March 6), from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
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