JoAnn M. Whitney

Mrs. Whitney passed away unexpectedly on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2014 at the age of 82 years. The daughter of the late James and Helen (Russell) Gallagher was born July 27, 1932 in Bay City. Mrs. Whitney worked for Bay Lanes and did Home Health Care. The last 14 years she has been her husband's caregiver since his stroke. She was a member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Kawkawlin V.F.W. Post 6950, has been involved in local bowling for the last fifty years; she was inducted into the Bay City bowling hall of fame and has served the bowling association in several capacities to include: president, secretary and sergeant at arms. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed collecting cookbooks and recipes, sewing and collecting rocks and going to the casino with her "casino girls." Mrs. Whitney was proud of her Irish Heritage and will be remembered by her family and friends as kind and friendly to people and had a great love for animals. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years; Robert "Al" Whitney whom she married August 14, 1954, her children; Dr. Robin Whitney, Randi (Walter) Phillips and Robert R. Whitney, her pet dog, Buddy, her honorary grandchildren; Haley, Arik and Katie Bickham, one brother; Russell Gallagher, her sisters-in-law; Marge Whitney and Jackie Petrat, her nieces and nephews; Jim (Sandi) English, Rick Gallagher, Sherry (Mike) Stater, Sue (Dave) Cell, Sherry (Mark) Walkowiak and Calie (Dan) Chichester , close family friend; Tom Moulton and many lifelong friends from bowling. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by one sister; Mary Ann English and her nephew; Mike English, her brother-in-law; Del Whitney Funeral and Committal Services will take place Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Seth Hemme with interment in Zion Beaver Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home on Monday to receive family friends from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 12:00 o'clock Noon until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to Zion Beaver Lutheran Church Youth Fund or the Bay County Animal Shelter. www.gephartfuneralhome.com