Ida Mae Eastman

Ida Mae Eastman, 99, of Casa Grande, Arizona passed away peacefully on October 19, 2022. She is now free from the burden of aging, which had become increasingly difficult physically in recent years. Yet, her mind was still very sharp and her ability to recall old stories was impressive to all who knew her. Ida Mae’s life was filled with love and family, and those who loved her are grateful for their memories of her.

Ida Mae was born on December 10, 1922, to Ida and Lindsey Floyd in Dustin, Oklahoma. While Ida Mae was born in Oklahoma, she considered herself a Texan, and her cooking showed that. When she was a few weeks old her parents and paternal Grandparents moved about 400 miles by horsedrawn wagon to Floydada, Texas. They lived in several locations harvesting crops in Arizona and California before moving to Phoenix in 1936.

When the Floyd family settled in Phoenix, they lived across the street from the Eastman family. George Eastman said, upon meeting Ida Mae, that he would marry her. In January 1941, Ida Mae and George Eastman eloped and got married in the tourist town of Wickenburg. Their first son, George, was born in November 1941. Ida Mae’s husband George purchased her first home with all the modern conveniences, including an indoor bathroom, telephone, and evaporative cooler. They went on to live in California, Oregon, and Arizona where they farmed and ranched. They had three more sons, Bill, Dick, and Tony before George died from cancer in 1966 when Mae was 44 years old.

When her husband passed, she put her seamstress skills to work at a sewing factory to help support the family. She went on to obtain her real estate license. Mae remarried three times and enjoyed numerous travels with her husbands John and Harold. Ida Mae grew up in small towns but traveled the world in her later years. She was an accomplished ballroom dancer and participated in competitions with her husband Harold. Mae was a dear friend to many; she was always excited to play a round of canasta or make one of her famous pies for a potluck. She was known for her laughter, her dedication to family, and her kindness to all.

Mae lived a long and full life, and was predeceased by her husbands, parents, grandparents, six siblings and one great-grandson. She is survived by her four sons, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. While her family and friends mourn her passing, Ida Mae’s impact on those around her was great and she will be held eternally in the hearts of those she touched.

The date and location of a Celebration of Life will be announced in the future. Please contact Eastman Family on dates.

J. Warren Funeral Services are handling arrangements.