Karen Eastman

Karen Eastman, 78, Topeka, passed away Friday, January 21, 2022.

She was born July 6, 1943, in Chanute, Kansas, the daughter of Delmar and Florence (Roles) Stroud. She graduated from Washburn Rural High School in 1961.

Karen was the personal assistant to the director of Rural Development Office, retiring after 13 years.

She was a member of Central Congregational Church and the Angel Collectors Club of America - Heavenly Hearts Chapter. She was also a member of the Topeka Needlework Guild. The group donated pillows made by guild for surgery patients at Stormont-Vail Hospital, where she also volunteered. Karen was involved with various committees throughout her life including the Boy Scouts of America, WRHS Alumni Association, and Ballet Midwest's costume committee, predominately the annual presentation of "The Nutcracker". She was very involved with PTA groups, for both her children and granddaughter and proudly supported THS as a booster for many years.

On August 8, 1964, she married Gerald E. "Jerry" Eastman in Topeka. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, step-father, T.A. Peterson, father-in-law and mother-in-law, William E. and Florence H. Eastman, and sister-in-law, Diane (Rodney) Mapes.

Survivors include her children, Brian Eastman and Holly Eastman-Brantley (Todd); granddaughter, Alexis Brantley; brother, Terry (Cyndie) Peterson; sister-in-law, Joyce Byrd, and brother-in-law, Roger (Diane) Eastman.

Funeral services will be 1 pm, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka. Interment will follow at Mount Hope. Visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka.

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