Terry K Hansen

On December 16th, 2024, Terry K (Eastin) Hansen, age 72, departed this world at Copper Creek Cottages Memory Care in Mattoon, Illinois, leaving her family with many memories of the way she touched each of their lives. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of services. Terry was born on February 3rd, 1952, to Harold Dean and Ruth May (Shadday) Eastin in Urbana, Illinois. She was the second oldest in a family of five children. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold; her mother, Ruth; her brother, Mykal “Myke” (Debbie) of Champaign; her brother-in-law, Richard (Tammie) of Neoga; her brother-in-law, Stanley (Karala) of Neoga; and one niece, Melissa. Her surviving family include her son, Jody Eastin (Jessica) of Bismarck, IL; her grandson Forrest Eastin; her brother, Gregory “Greg” Eastin (Debbie) of Urbana, her sister Karala Eastin of Neoga; her sister Tamara “Tammie” of Neoga; her sister-in-law Debra “Debbie” Eastin of Champaign, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Terry spent her childhood in Urbana where she discovered her lifelong love of horses. For years, the Eastin’s visited Lake Mattoon as a family where they would waterski, fish, swim, and eventually bring their kids to enjoy the same activities they cherished from their childhood. Terry graduated from Urbana High School and remained in Champaign County for the rest of her life. Terry’s passion was horses. Though she mostly rode leisurely, she was also known to compete in the occasional barrel race in her early life. For many years, Terry enjoyed camping with her sisters, Tammie and Karala, and their families at Middle Fork State Park just outside of Danville, Illinois where they would spend the days riding horses through the park’s trails, and sit around the campfire in the evenings, playing cards and singing camp songs. She also spent considerable time riding the trails of the Shawnee National Forest with her family and friends. Her beloved dogs would often be found accompanying her on the trails throughout the years. In keeping with her love for animals, Terry worked at the University of Illinois department of Veterinary Medicine where she would take care of livestock in animal research programs. Later in life Terry took a position driving a school bus for Champaign County. She loved the kids on her bus route and always had wonderful stories to share about her time with them. Terry was known for being strong-willed, and at times, sassy as well, but her heart was filled with love and good intentions. She was a doting mother, caring sister, and dear friend to many. It’s with heavy hearts that the family says goodbye to Terry, but her legacy of laughter and cherished memories of her will bring us smiles for years to come. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Terry K Hansen

February 3, 1952 - December 16, 2024