Joan Ware Eaton, 68, of Middletown, a former elementary school teacher in the Rose Tree Media School District, died Oct. 9 at the Lima Medical Facility, Middletown.

Born in Orange, N.J., Mrs. Eaton lived in Newtown Square for nine years before entering the Lima Medical Facility two months ago. Previously, she lived in the Media-Middletown area for 26 years.

A 1945 graduate of Millburn (N.J.) High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 1949 from Wheelock College, Boston, Mass.

Mrs. Eaton was employed as a teacher in Rose Tree Media schools from 1965 to 1975, when she retired. Earlier, she taught at schools in Wilmington, Del., and Melrose, Mass. From 1976 to 1978, Mrs. Eaton was co-owner of The Country Kettle Store, Swarthmore.

A member of the Bath (Me.) Garden Club, Mrs. Eaton was associated with various other garden clubs in this area. She also belonged to the Edgmont Golf Club and was active with the Girl Scouts as an assistant leader and as the “”Cookie Mom” in the annual cookie sales.

Mrs. Eaton was the author of a cookbook entitled, “”The Pot Holder.” Since 1953, she and her family spent summers at Sebasco Estates, Maine.

Surviving are her husband, Roland L. Eaton, who grew up in Swarthmore and whom she married in 1953; a daughter, Nancy E. Keefe of Collegeville, Pa.; a son, Richard R. Eaton of West Chester, Pa.; and three grandchildren. She also was the mother of the late Wendy Eaton.

A memorial service will occur at 11 a.m. Oct. 12 in the Middletown Presbyterian Church, 273 S. Old Middletown Road, Elwyn. Burial will be in the adjacent church cemetery. Arrangements are by the Frank C. Videon Funeral Home, Marple.

Instead of flowers, memorial gifts may be provided the American Lung Association, 1534 McDaniel Dr., West Chester, PA 19380.