Obituary of Jo Ann Whittle

In loving memory of Jo Ann Whittle, who passed away on February 7, 2024, at the age of 79, surrounded by family. Jo Ann was a devoted wife for 53 years to her husband, Jim, and the two shared four children – Stacy Russell (Dan), Ron Whittle (Traci), Kaylon Northington (John), and Darin Whittle (Sandra). The light of Jo Ann’s life were her children, but then she became a Grandmother, the role she was meant to play. Jo Ann was blessed with 10 grandchildren – Darrell, Dustin, James, Sarah, Marissa, Makena, Bailey, Nathan, Madison, and Andrew. She later became “GGMa” to six Great-Grandchildren. Our family has so many wonderful memories, but none more than those spent in the family kitchen. Jo Ann was happiest when she was cooking for her family. Jo Ann was born September 3, 1944, in Lakeport, California. She spent her childhood in Richmond, CA, graduating from Harry Ells High School in 1962, where she enjoyed performing with the baton. After high school, she began what would be a 45+ year career working in the grocery business. She and Jim moved to Scotts Valley in 1974 and made it their home. Jo Ann worked at MacDonald’s Quality Foods, which later became Nob Hill, for 40 years. She was a fixture at that store and knew everyone in the community. Jo Ann loved her time there and made many life-long friends. Following retirement, Jo Ann found her calling as a volunteer! She was Santa Cruz County’s Red Cross Volunteer of the Year several times, volunteered at Dominican Hospital, and loved delivering meals and warming the hearts of the clients of Meals on Wheels. She had a heart for those who were lonely and would spend time letting them know they were important to her. Jo Ann was very active in the many activities at Spring Lakes, where she and Jim moved after retirement. She was an avid bowler, loved Bingo and playing the slots in Reno, a Righteous Brother’s Groupie, and a forever Elvis Fan. But above all, she loved spending time with her family. Family gatherings, especially the food, will never be the same. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her Mother, Pauline Schafer; Father, Harry Johnson; and Step-Mother Georgia Johnson. Along with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-children, Jo Ann is survived by her sisters Sharon Campbell (Tom) and Shirley Peck (Michael)—her special twins—along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved! A celebration of Jo Ann’s life will be held at the Spring Lakes Clubhouse in Scotts Valley on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Everyone who was touched by Jo Ann’s life is welcome to attend. Bring your stories! In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations are made to The Alzheimer’s Association in Jo Ann Whittle’s name.