Eddie Eastlake may not knock down 12 strikes for a perfect game, but she enjoys bowling just the same. Every chance she gets, Eastlake is at the Fort Stewart’s Marne Lanes, ready to bowl.
Eastlake has been bowling since 1945 and at the age of 88, she’s still going strong. A native of Wallends, England, Eastlake came to this country in 1926 when she was 6 years old. She was raised in Detroit and moved to Hinesville in 1998 to be with her son and his family. 
A seasoned, avid bowler, Eastlake is part of the Monday and Friday night leagues at the Marne Lanes.
“I taught my sons to bowl and now they can out bowl me. I used to have an average of 163 when I was in Detroit,” Eastlake said.
In Detroit, Eastlake participated in many bowling tournaments and traveled to different cities to compete. 
“I have been all over the United States bowling,” she said. Eastlake has received many trophies and pens for her bowling skills.
“Bowling is fun and good exercise. I am five feet, one and a half inches and weigh 102 pounds. I get aches and pains, but I don’t let that bother me,” she said. 
She says she’s been on a lot of leagues.
 “I enjoy bowling and being with my friends. I have a lot of friends, and everybody calls me “mom.” You get a chance to meet new people. Bowling is better than just sitting at home,” she said.
When she is not bowling, Eastlake loves to knit and crochet. She has arthritis, which limits her time knitting.
“I also enjoy walking, and am still driving,” she said.
Eastlake has two sons and five grandchildren. Her son, Jeffery Eastlake, coaches young bowlers on Saturday mornings. Her daughter-in-law, Sharyl Eastlake, who teaches at Snelson-Golden and is the head softball coach at Bradwell, also is an avid bowler.
Grandchildren Patrick and Misty Eastlake also are champion bowlers.
“We are a bowling family,” Eastlake said. According to Jeffery Eastlake, his son Patrick has bowled a 300 since a bout with cancer. 
Eastlake said bowling keeps her young. 
“My mom was 88 on April 24,” said son Jeffery.  “She used to bowl with the seniors but said they were too old. I am happy to see her able to throw the ball down the lane and have fun. I hope I can do the same when I become her age,” he said.