Obituary of Michele "Mikki" Eastman

Michele “Mikki” Eastman, 54, of Newport, passed away Monday, November 14, 2016 at Toledo ProMedica Hospital following complications from a heart attack. Born January 19, 1962, she was the daughter of Stanley and Elaine (DiSabatino) Rogers. Following graduation from Airport High School in 1980, Mikki felt the calling to serve her country and joined the United States Navy. During that time, she met the love of her life, Gene Eastman, and they were married on August 13, 1983. Together they had five children. Family was of utmost importance to Mikki. She prided herself on being a good, strong wife and mother for her children. She adored being a Mimi to her grandsons. Mikki also had a great compassion for others. No matter if you knew her for years or a few minutes, you were her friend. Mikki was also very active in the Monroe County Special Olympics, having been a coach for 24 years. She was especially proud of her athletes. During her time as a coach, she earned a Volunteer of the Year Award and Coach of the Year Award from the State of Michigan. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and crafts. Cherishing her memory is her loving husband Gene and their five children: Jessica Rogers, ReAnna (Kevin) Hemry II, Andrea Eastman, Stuart Eastman and Caleb Eastman; her grandsons Dylan and Aiden; her parents Stan and Elaine Rogers, brothers Stan Rogers and Shawn Rogers and sister Tracy (Terry) Brown and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Joseph and Irene DiSabatino and Juanita and Melvin Cousino. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street Monroe, Michigan (734)384-5185. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016, at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with her nephew, Pastor Jimmy McDonald officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.