Lois Eastland

Lois Eastland passed away on Oct. 11, in Peoria, Ariz., at the age of 98. A former resident of the Rich Hill area for most of her life, she was a quiet, dignified lady perhaps best known for being a marvelous cook. Lois cooked up three full meals each day for crews of men during wheat harvests on a two-burner camp stove-after having traveled many miles to the nearest town to buy groceries. At her home west of Rich Hill, she prepared a large noon meal for her family, for workers on the farm, and anyone else who showed up at noontime. And there were more than a few who made it a point to show up at noon. Although Lois claimed to hate cooking, she did relish her time reading, doing crossword puzzles, and crocheting. When finances finally allowed, a special treat was Fridays at Maurine Linard’s beauty shop.

Lois was born in Halstead, Kan., in 1919. Her parents, Eli and Josephine Johnson, moved their family to a farm north of Rich Hill when Lois was a young girl. In 1938, Lois married Howard “Scoots” Eastland. They would be married 57 years. Together they had three children, Howard Jr., Lois Ann and Joni. Lois was a devoted mother and her grandchildren were the joy of her life. In 2004, Lois left the farm to be with family in the warmer climate around Phoenix, Ariz.

Lois was predeceased by her parents, Eli and Josephine Johnson; her husband, Howard Eastland; brothers, Dennis Johnson and wife, Delores, Allen Johnson and Willard Johnson; brothers-in-law, Dave McGinnis, Henry Eastland and wife, Dorothea, John Eastland and Joe Eastland; son-in-law, Don Garwood; and dear friend, Jerry Mumma. She is survived by her children, Howard Eastland, Jr., of Rich Hill, Lois Ann Garwood, of Glendale, Ariz., and Joni McHargue and husband, Tim, of Danville, Calif.; grandchildren, Brett Garwood and wife, Beverly, of Surprise, Ariz., Tami Crosby and husband, Doug, of Stockton, David Grace of Oakland, Calif.; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Johnson of Moundridge, Kan.; sister, Judy McGinnis, of Yuma, Ariz.; and sisters-in-law, Frances Johnson, of Brooksville, Miss., and Naomi Eastland of Spanish Forks, Utah; many nieces and nephews; and special dear ones Gail Jones of Rich Hill, Jim Hough and wife, Kay, of Winona, Mo., Linda Mumma, Jerry and Chantelle Mumma and family, and Wade and Courtney Mumma and family, all of Rich Hill.

Visitation will be held between 6 and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Heuser Funeral Home, with graveside service immediately following at Rider Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rich Hill High School FFA in care of Heuser Funeral Home.