Linda Eaton

Linda M. Eaton, 76 of Dover, died Tuesday, December 04, 2018, in Hennis Care Center at Dover following a battle with lung cancer.

Born in Canton, Ohio on May 13, 1942, Linda was a daughter of the late Donald and Mary Alyce James McKinney.

Linda was a 1960 graduate of Sandy Valley High School and worked at Timken for two years before attending Kent State University. She received her bachelor’s degree from Kent in 1966 and her master’s from Kent in 1984.

Linda taught in the Field Local School System prior to moving to Dover. She taught at Dover Middle School for 19 years and at Dover High School for 10 years. After retirement from the public schools, Linda returned to teach at Kent State Tuscarawas Branch before officially retiring in 2015.

She had a deep faith in God and was thankful for her church family at Dover First United Methodist Church, where she was known as and affectionately called the “Cookie Lady”. In addition to spoiling her family and friends with her delicious cookies, Linda taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a member of the handbell choir, and was an active volunteer at Vacation Bible School.

She used her skills as a crafter and seamstress to outfit hundreds of cast members for Trumpet in the Land for many years. Not only was she the lead costumer, she served as a board member and President for the organization. Linda was a familiar face with Little Theatre where she assisted with costuming, helped in the box office and served as an usher.

Linda was an avid sports fan. She passionately followed Dover, Sandy Valley, Ohio State, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In addition, Linda enjoyed travelling. In addition to numerous trips to North Carolina to visit her daughter Victoria, Linda had fond memories of travelling to New York City with her dearest friend Judy, to England and Ireland with her sister Ann, to Ireland and Scotland with Victoria, and to Oahu and Maui with Victoria.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Victoria Eaton, and her companion Ken Quarles of Hillsborough, North Carolina, her sister Ann Hood of Massillon, her brother David McKinney of Dover, and her nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her close friends Judy, Ruth, Bonnie, Linda, Deena, and Terri. She is also survived by her beloved canine companion, Foxy, and was greeted at the Rainbow Bridge by Samantha, Noel, Spencer, and Pearl.

In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by her brother Robert McKinney.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018 from 4-7 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Pastor David St. Aubin will lead a celebration of life service on Friday, December 14, 2018, at 11 AM in the Dover First United Methodist Church. At the request of the family, casual attire is requested as you join them in celebrating Linda’s homegoing. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the church social hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that contributions be made to Dover First United Methodist Church 1725 N Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622 or Save-A-Mom Dog Rescue, c/o Dover Vet Clinic, 516 Union Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622 or by giving online at saveamomrescue.com.

Linda’s personal challenge to all who knit or crochet is to provide the Union Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit with a handmade blanket. She was proud of the fact she had personally, lovingly crafted over 100 blankets to keep newborn babies warm.