 |
Carolyn JoAnn Whitaker, 77, of Bellefontaine and formerly of DeGraff, passed away at 8:02 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Kindred Hospital in Lima.
She was born in Hazard, Ky., on Nov. 22, 1939, a daughter of the late Audrey Williams and the late Reese and Bert Rutledge. She was also preceded in death by a brother.
On Aug. 5, 1956, JoAnn married Richard L. “Sonny” Whitaker, and he preceded her in death Oct. 15, 2014.
JoAnn and Sonny are survived by their five children, Marjorie (Cameron Dyer) Hursh, Jennifer (Glen) Kreglow and Richard “Keith” (Tonya) Whitaker, all of DeGraff, and Gregory “Brian” Whitaker and Corey (Erin Workman) Whitaker, both of Bellefontaine; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; a brother; and her loving companion dog, “Gidget”.
JoAnn was a self-motivated entrepreneur for more than 40 years and was best known for owning and operating Dick’s Shell in DeGraff for nearly 20 years. She was an avid collector and had a passion for dolls. She enjoyed gardening and most especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Pastor Michael Mitchell officiates a funeral at noon Saturday, March 25, at the DeGraff United Methodist Church, 1839 County Road 24, DeGraff, where calling begins at 11 a.m.
Burial follows in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff.
Memorial contributions may be made to Riverside EMS, P.O. Box 2, DeGraff, OH 43318.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in DeGraff. Express condolences at www.edsfh.com.