Joan attended Walkerton schools and upon her graduation from high school attended DePauw University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. While at DePauw, she met a much decorated returning WWII Veteran, L. Joe Heaton. Upon graduating from DePauw, Joe and Joan married. Joe then entered IU School of Law. The couple established their household in Indianapolis. Joe worked a full-time job as a claims adjuster at Indiana Insurance Company and attended night school at IU Law. Joan worked a full time job for the Indiana Welfare Department where she oversaw the well-being of children, families, senior citizens and nursing home conditions.

Joan Heaton was self-employed, being the Owner, Manager, Secretary and Treasurer of Title Guaranty and Abstract Company, Inc. in Tipton.  In 1957, Horace C. "Bud" Holmes sold the business to an attorney who, having been honored the Purple Heart and Silver Star several times during World War II, had graduated under the G. I. Bill from Indiana University Law School only 2 years previously. L. Joe Heaton had been raised in Sharpsville, Indiana only a few miles north of the county seat then renamed the City of Tipton. He determined to bring his family back to his home county to reside. The business remains in the Heaton family to this date.

Joan was a strong supporter of the Tipton County Republican Party, a member of the Tipton County Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce and Kemp United Methodist Church.  She also belonged to the Indiana Land Title Association and the American Land Title Association.  Joan was listed in Who's Who of American Businesswomen.

Joe and Joan had two children: Kathryn Jo Heaton Benjamin and mate, Brian Paul Canary of both Hamilton and Tipton Counties and James Joseph Heaton  and wife, Charlotte Loomis Heaton, of LaJolla, California. Joan’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive, being: Kathy’s daughter: Leigha Marie Benjamin (Brent Wayne Klutz, North Manchester), Leigha’s children: Azaan Khan and Kailey Manis and step children Bryce Klutz, Hunter Klutz and Jaxston Klutz and Kathy’s son, Michael Aaron Benjamin (Robin Ann Cassaretto) and their son Michael Avery Benjamin. Spencer Wells Heaton, son of Jim and Charlotte Heaton and named after his Grandmother, survives as well.

Calling will be held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home at 216 West Jefferson Street, Tipton on Tuesday, June 18 from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. with funeral service at 2:00.  Joan’s nephew, Michael Y. Wyrick, will officiate. Burial will follow immediately at Fairview Cemetery, Tipton.

The family requests that memorial contributions (monetary or even volunteered hours of service) be made to the charity of your choice. Joan had an affection for the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Indiana State Troopers Teddy Bear Program, the Humane Society, as well as the many employees who own and comprise Miller’s Merry Manor of Tipton, Indiana and had much gratitude for Guardian Angel Hospice. If Joan taught nothing else, she taught that there is much we can all do in our own special way.