Phoebe Eaton
1935-2024
Phoebe Lue Gardiner Eaton passed away peacefully in her home on Nov. 14, 2024. Because of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior, we know she is rejoicing in heaven. She was born in Taloga, OK to Harry and Gleeola (Wycoff) Gardiner on March 3, 1935. Phoebe moved to Weatherford, OK in the 6th grade and met the love of her life, Bobby Gene Eaton, at the city swimming pool. Phoebe was active in many organizations throughout high school, including Rainbow Girls, attended Girls’ State and was the football homecoming queen. Phoebe and Bob spent many weekends at the preview (movie), holding hands.
Phoebe and Bob married in 1955. Their first year of marriage was spent apart as Bob started medical school in Oklahoma City and Phoebe lived with Bob’s parents in Weatherford while completing her degree in Business Administration at Southwestern State College. During medical school and afterward, Phoebe and Bob lived in Oklahoma City, where their three daughters were born. The family moved to Edmond in 1973. Phoebe opened the family home to a host of the girls’ friends and others throughout middle school, high school, college and beyond. She gathered the family every Sunday after church for a roast dinner at the dining room table, most often served on china and crystal. She also enjoyed hosting the extended family at Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as other events such as Young Life meetings and ice cream parties for graduating Radiology residents.
Phoebe was known as the coffee cake lady – showing her appreciation to special recipients by baking upwards of 50 coffee cakes every Christmas and personally delivering them.
In addition to serving her family, Phoebe was active on several committees at First Christian Church and served as an Elder and a Stephen Minister. She was an active member of PEO, (Chapter ES) serving as several officers, including President.
Phoebe will be remembered as the loving and humble matriarch of the Eaton family, leading by example at all times. She easily earned the love and respect of her three sons-in-law and was a quiet and present listener, beloved by all who met her.
In addition to ballroom dancing, Phoebe and Bob loved traveling and collecting art, but their favorite place to relax was Lake Eufaula, where they owned a lake house for over 50 years. Again, Phoebe welcomed family and friends there and provided delicious meals for all.
Phoebe was an avid scrapbooker, journaling every vacation and lake weekend as well as events in her personal life. She truly left behind a living history of her 89 years of life. Her favorite bi-yearly events were the weekend retreats she spent with her 3 daughters for 40 years, later including her grown granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law.
Phoebe is pre-deceased by her husband of 64 years, Bob, and beloved granddaughter, Madeline Apple. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and David Penland, of Edmond; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Steve Mortensen, of Haskell, OK; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Chris Apple, of Plano, TX; and 9 grandchildren – Andrew (Brandy) Penland, Sarah (Dane) Wilber, Taylor (Brett) Fuller, Jordan (Jeremiah) Johnson, Will (Natalie) Mortensen, Alex (Trevor) Hall, Creighton (Hannah) Apple, Chandler and Colby Apple; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to Senior Care at Home caregivers and staff and to the nurses of Mercy Hospice.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Endowment of Peppers Ranch Foster Care Community, P.O. Box 3814, Edmond, Ok 73083, or online.
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church in Edmond, OK.
One of the most gracious & charming ladies I have ever known! When my husband, Dan Galloway, was a resident under Dr Eaton we became
friends through many activities! We were entertained in their home many times, learned many life lessons and adored both Phoebe & Bob!
I still cherish some items that I purchased on trips with the Eatons to Radiology meetings across the country! I still enjoy making some of Phoebe’s recipes! Absolutely a wonderful family! Phoebe will always have a special place in my heart I am so sorry that I cannot attend her “Celebration of Life”
Her entire family will be in my prayers for the days ahead. With great admiration & sympathy. Leanne Galloway-Waddell
I will so miss my dear cousin, Phoebe. She was like a big sister. She was full of love and was a listening ear. The Eaton family has always a special part of my life, as well as her parents, Uncle Harry and Aunt Gleeola!!! I will miss her, until we meet again!!!