Listen to the Obituary
Linda Raye Eastham, age 78 of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2023, with her family and 2 special dogs by her side.
She was born at Saint Anns Hospital in Columbus, Ohio on January 21,1945, to H.H. (Bud) and Ruth Lough.
She spent her childhood years in Pataskala, Ohio, helping on the family chicken farm and later working for her father’s business, Bud’s Meat Market. She loved riding her horses, being a majorette, and utilizing her artistic talent of drawing and painting. She graduated High school Co-Valedictorian from Watkins Memorial, class of 1963, she went on to attend Miami University, Ohio State University and received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Rank 1 from Eastern Kentucky University, in Elementary through Highschool Education.
Her 32-year career of teaching began in Millersport Ohio, then transitioned to the Louisville School system, Ferguson Elementary and she retired from Southern Elementary in the Pulaski County School System. She taught Kindergarten, 3rd grade, fourth grade, sixth grade and ended with her passion by teaching a science lab to all the elementary students. Her love of teaching inspired her to open a teacher’s supply store, that she ran for several years during her working career.
She was a lady of strong faith and attended the First United Methodist Church. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior on March 29, 1953. She developed many special friendships in her later years with the ladies and gentlemen that cooked at the church on Wednesday nights. She was always referred to by many friends and family as a selfless servant. Those that knew her always commented on her kindness and willingness to serve.
Linda spent her retirement years being “Gran Gran” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. From sitting in the stands at all the ballgames, to allowing the girls to practice Spa days on her, her children and grands were the center of her world. Linda could always be found attending to her flowers in her gardens. She frequently shared the beauty of nature and the meaning of each flower that she planted with friends and families. She often would take seedlings and grow them until they could survive on their own and then give them to someone to plant and watch them grow. This was the same that she did for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and students, she nurtured them and gave them the care needed to carry her beauty on past her lifetime.
Linda is survived and forever cherished by her children, Derek (Andrea) Eastham and Kristen (Joe) Lyons. Her memory lives on by her three grandchildren, Ashtyn (Nathan) Carter, Chase Eastham, Calli Eastham and two great-grandchildren, Weston Coffey and Nathalie Carter. She is missed by her brother-in-law, Kuthbert Eastham and sister- in law, Clemma Godbey.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, H.H. and Ruth Lough, her husband of 52 years, Odell Eastham, foster brother, Jimmy Poundstone, one sister-in-law, Vivian Eastham, one brother-in-law, Doyle Godbey, and one special Sheltie dog, Kajun.
Visitation will begin at 11 A.M. on Friday, August 4th, 2023 in the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1 P.M. with Brandon Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Mill Springs National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Linda Raye Eastham.
She had an awesome sense of humor she always entertained us in the kitchen kept the laughter going every Wednesday while we prepared meals for the homeless. Everyone one loved her dearly and will be greatly missed!
Linda was a cherished friend in whom I would describe just the same as is written in her loving obituary.
Linda was always kind and interested in her colleagues, friends, and their families. I will treasure and carry Linda’s memory always, along with the assurrance that I will see her in our heavenly home one day.
I was privileged to teach with Linda at both Ferguson and Southern Elementary Schools in Pulaski County.
Loved Ms. Linda Eastham. She was cheerful and such a willing servant of Jesus Christ. God bless her family.
She was such a wonderful soldier for Christ…….always doing jobs on Sunday mornings and making deliveries from the church to other members who couldn’t attend due to health problems. Ken and I were so thankful for her visits. We shall always remember her sense of humor and bright smile.
Condolences to her family. God bless.
This beautiful obituary describes Linda perfectly. She was a true asset to our high school graduating class of 1963, and will be missed. Rest in piece my friend.
She was one beautiful and nice friend. Odell and her were special
I went to school with Linda all through elementary and High School. She was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. I never heard her utter a mean word to anyone.
My prayers and sympathy are with Linda’s family.
I was saddened to hear the passing of Linda. She was a lovely lady in every way. So kind. It was an honor and a privilege to get to serve her and her husband. Micah and I send condolences to Mr. Eastham which was his teacher. Gone but not forgotten. Amanda and Micah🌹🙏