Audrey Eastman

Audrey Eastman passed away on October 31st 2012. Audrey was born to R.J. and Margie Mills in Broken Bow, Nebraska on October 29, 1948.

Survivors include her husband Andy, two sons, Bryan of Lawrence, KS; Nate & his wife Shannon of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Mallory & Nolan; siblings, Morris Mills of Lincoln, NE; Arlene (John) O'Neill of Grand Island, NE & Roberta (Steve) Morrison of Lincoln, NE; many nieces, nephews, family & friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Audrey was raised on her parent's farm east of Broken Bow with her brother Morris, and sisters, Arlene and Roberta. She attended Dutchman Valley District #72 grade school. Audrey graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1967, and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

During her youth, Audrey was always her mother's helper. At the age of 10 years old, when her mother began working in town, Audrey became the main cook for the family. She was expected to get the noon meal on the table for the family. She also watched over two younger sisters. While growing up, her younger sisters always looked up to her as a good role model. She continued this trait with her own children and grandchildren.

Audrey was a member of the local 4-H club. During the summertime, she developed her baking skills and sewing skills. Audrey was an outstanding student. Audrey had a strong work ethic and always weighed carefully the pros and cons before making any big decisions. She enjoyed her country school days, the friendships of classmates, good teachers, sledding and making snow sculptures at recess, music festivals, track meets, and the fun of Christmas programs.

Her High School days were filled with many happy memories. She had many friends, four of whom she kept in touch with even after her retirement.
Audrey's outstanding grades earned her a scholarship for students majoring in business at the University of Nebraska.

While attending the University of Nebraska she met Andy. She married Andrew Eastman on October 1st, 1972 in Lincoln, Nebraska. They lived in Lincoln while Andy finished college. In 1975 they moved to Billings Montana and lived there until 1978 when Audrey and Andy moved to Topeka, KS with sons Bryan Edward and Nathan Andrew.

Audrey was a homemaker and daycare provider for a several years. As her sons started elementary school, she started back to her career. Audrey went to work for several banks, eventually becoming one of the Vice Presidents of the Real Estate Loan Department at Commerce Bank and Trust/ CoreFirst. She worked there until her retirement in Dec. of 2010.

Audrey was an excellent homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. Audrey's outstanding cooking abilities were demonstrated by the good meals she served to her family and guests. Everyone enjoyed her fabulous Christmas candies.

Audrey's passion for Nebraska football started in her college years and was something she followed even when they lived in Montana and Kansas. She felt privileged to attend the 1971 Orange Bowl game in Miami Fl, which led to the Cornhusker's first National Championship Title. She was always a Cornhusker fan! Audrey delighted in wearing her Nebraska "red" and cheering on the Huskers even though she lived in Kansas.

Being conscientious and doing the right thing was a big part of her character. Audrey had a lot of patience caring for siblings, her own family, and later for her aging parents. She was a good listener and looked forward to phone calls and visits from her sons, Bryan and Nate. Audrey unselfishly sacrificed personal time for herself to put her family first.

In all aspects of her life, Audrey was a good daughter, a thoughtful sister, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. Audrey's personality showed through as cheerful and positive at work and at home. Audrey delighted in caring and playing with her grandchildren Mallory and Nolan. She enjoyed Mallory's help making lemonade, and baking cookies. She also enjoyed watching Nolan play with Nate and Bryan's old toys and all the little noises and sound effects that went along with them. In general she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren.

We will remember her sense of humor and bubbly personality. We will miss her as a fine person that walked this earth and heart fully impacted all that she met.
All the people that interacted with Audrey easily saw what a wonderful person she was!

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, November 16th at Dove Cremation & Funeral Service 4020 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66606.