Linda Rae (Poulton) Eastman

March 26th, 2022 is a day that left us with heavy hearts. At 80 years of age our mom, “Granny” Linda P. Eastman moved to Heaven to ride the best horse trails imaginable with her friend Charlene and her father Ray.

Linda was the first-born child to Ray and Chloe Poulton. She was raised on the family farm in Magna, Utah where she and her siblings learned the value of hard work and responsibility. Her love of animals was there from the start, she loved spending time at the barnyard. Mom grew up near family, in a town where everybody knew everybody, playing with siblings and cousins, thinking the weekly irrigation water was the best water park, hay bales made great obstacle courses, drinking from a hose on a hot day was still okay, and she could jump on a horse to ride for miles. Saturdays brought the matinee at the Gem Theatre, Mom said they would work hard to get their chores done to make it on time, it was here she fell in love with everything western and dreamed of living like the cowboy legends, she spent her Saturday afternoons admiring.

Our Mom was fortunate to have friendships that lasted a lifetime, she shared many childhood adventures with Nikki and Charlene and later found her forever friend, Ilene. She treasured each of them and shared stories of all up to her last days.

Mom was affectionately known as “Granny” by her grandchildren. They have countless memories of sharing time, laughing with her, and occasionally being told “don't tell your Mom” when she was doing something mischievous. She was funny, kind and had a contagious laugh. Her ability to charm a room and captivate everyone with her stories, sometimes very colorful stories, will be deeply missed.

Mom had true grit from day one as she was born premature and fought hard to survive. We often referred to her as the tough farm girl or the tough cowgirl from Magna. Her ability to adapt and push through no matter what life threw her way was remarkable. One of the most difficult things she did was say goodbye to her first daughter at birth. Their reunion years later brought peace to Mom and although their time together was short, she was grateful to establish a relationship with Diane and her family and know that she had been raised with loving parents and siblings. They found they had a few things in common, determination, love of horses, and both saw their fathers as true heroes.

Linda married George Eastman (later divorced) and had an instant family with Sheila, Neil and Brent and then added Cindy and Gay Lynn. Mom worked hard as a custodian for Granite School District, raised two daughters and found enjoyment in developing her passion of animals into training and showing dogs and later sharing her knowledge by teaching classes through Granite Education, Great Salt Lake Dog Club and at her home. She made several friendships sharing her love of animals, including Marie, Cindy, and many more with whom she loved spending time and talking about the newest training methods, sharing ideas, and just having fun.

At a time when most are ready to hang up their spurs, she decided she wanted to get back in the saddle. She bought a truck, trailer, and found a horse who needed her as much as she needed him. She was able to ride the trails of Tooele County, Yellow Fork, Island Park, and Red Canyon before her health declined and her horse became a companion rather than a riding partner. Her love of animals continued to her last day. Her little dog, Doc, will miss his belly rubs and her horse, Buddy, will miss her coming out to brush him. One of Mom’s last good days was spent with family outside holding Doc and watching Buddy put on a show of running and jumping for her, expressing his joy to see her again.

We would like to thank the Tooele Rocky Mountain Hospice team for the comfort and care they provided during her last days and a special thank you to David, Terri, and Mel who helped Mom find peace within herself, let go of regrets, and understand that Heaven would be her destination. Happy Trails to you Mom until we meet again!

Linda is survived by her daughters, Diane Clough, Cindy (Joe) Burt, Gay Lynn (Shawn) Shaw; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her brother, Brent (Anita) Poulton; sisters, Tad (Jerry) Simonson, and Terri (Pat) Astill and Daughter-in-law, Linda (Brent) Eastman. Linda is preceded in death by her parents Ray & Chloe Poulton, sister, Maxine Fothergill, and stepchildren: Sheila Eastman-Lopez, Neil Eastman, and Brent Eastman.

Linda’s life will be celebrated, Saturday, May 7, 2022 where a light luncheon will be served from 11am -1pm at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley. All who loved her can share stories and memories at this gathering. Following the celebration of life, Linda will be interred with her parents as she wished at Valley View Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to an animal charity in honor of our mom’s love of animals.