Miss Joan R. Ewing, 81, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly at 10:30 AM, Friday, March 28th, at Logansport Memorial Hospital. In Rochester on May 8, 1932, the first daughter, Joan Ruth was born to Joseph L. and Amelia Doyle Ewing. Later her sister Mary Catherine arrived making the Ewing family complete. In May of 1950, with great Zebra pride, Joan graduated from Rochester High School. She continued her formal education at Indiana University and graduated in 1954 with a bachelors degree in secondary education, majoring in Spanish and English. Miss Ewing began her teaching career with a two year stint at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. With a desire to return closer to home she signed a contract with Logansport Community Schools. Miss Ewing shared her love for the languages, teaching Spanish and English at Logansport High School, mentoring her students for 39 years. She was LHS language department head and sponsor of the Spanish Club for a number of years. Miss Ewing laid aside her red pen, retiring in 1994 after serving education and nurturing her students for more than four decades. Retirement allowed Joan the opportunity to enjoy many of life's adventures with her family and friends. Spending time in the winter at Ft. Myers and annually attending plays focusing on William Shakespeare in Stratford, Canada were among her favorite destinations. Trips to Las Vegas to see the shows was another special vacation locale. Joan also loved shopping and dining out, especially at Tweedle-Dees. More recently her most favorite shopping experience was QVC. A vibrant community member, Joan was a member of Tri-Kappa for sixty-three years. She also enjoyed the commroderie of the Tourist Club of Logansport. She was a member of the Indiana Retired Teacher's Association and the Cass County and Fulton County Retired Teacher groups. As a thoughtful and compassionate friend Joan always remembered to brighten someone's day with a special card at Christmas, birthdays or to cheer them. Very active in her church, Rochester's First Baptist, Joan was a member over a half century. She sang soprano in the choir, was a member of the M & M group and the Fellowship Guild. She enjoyed flower gardening, purchasing fresh plants each spring to enhance the landscape of her home. Joan cheered wildly for Indiana University's crimson and cream whether they were playing on the gridiron or the hardwoods, she was always true to I.U.! An animal lover she shared her home with her faithful canine companion, "Skippy," a beautiful brown and white English Springer Spaniel. Known by the McCarter kids as Aunt Joan, she was revered by two generations. Always there courtside, the pool, at the music programs or academic honors nights, Aunt Joan was there to support Anne, David, John and Joe. With the arrival of the great nieces and nephew, Aunt Joan was there to dote and give her full attentions to the trio of the next generation. It was with a radiant smile, twinkling eyes and great joy that Joan would deliver updates including a smidgeon of information on the achievements and accomplishments of her talented nieces and nephews. The holidays and special family celebrations were times she looked forward to, just relaxing and enjoying family time watching the kids grow up. Left to cherish Joan's memory are a sister, Mary Catherine "Katie" McCarter and husband Phil of Rochester; a niece, Anne Marie Hubble and husband Doug of Anderson; two nephews: John Harry McCarter of Rochester and Joseph Phillip McCarter and wife Mandie of Rochester; two great nieces: Abbie and Ella McCarter; a great nephew Grant McCarter; and her treasured canine companion Skippy. Preceding Joan in death are her parents and a nephew David Ewing McCarter, June 12, 2011. Pastors Dr. Mark Spencer and Rev. Junior Bose will officiate services. A Tri-Kappa Memorial Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Click Here To Visit Our Gift Shop, "Tributes and Treasures"