Joanne Marion Whitfill

Born to Gus and Marion Haugseth in Wisconsin on May 19, 1941. Joanne grew up in southern California with her sister, Lynn Mattison and her stepfather, Olaf Mattison.

By divine power, peering over the backyard fence, she met the love of her life, Preston A. Whitfill who she let know that she was almost 16 and could have a boyfriend. At this point, she would latch on to him and never let him go…..she picked him!

After a few short years, they were set to be married in June 1959. Their family quickly blossomed having a total of 4 wonderful children Denis Whitfill of Chino, CA, Christine Herman of Chino Hills, CA, Jon Whitfill of Richmond, TX and Catherine Rocque-Butler of Missouri City, TX.

A job transfer brought them to Houston, TX in the late 1970’s where they currently reside. They made many friends over the years with their community involvement through the bicycle club, Alief Historical Society, garden clubs, Clayton Library, family reunions and more.

Joanne loved genealogy and put her heart into chasing family history and roots. She invested many hours of research and for over 30 years coordinated the annual Whitfill family reunions held in Ennis, TX. She also loved to travel and shared many great trips with her sister Lynn. They had many road trips off the beaten path discovering state parks and dirt roads. Other adventures were shared with her longtime friend of 40+ years, Sandy Tannahill (who preceded her in death). These two ladies loved to shop looking for great bargains with many giggles and laughs over the years.

Joanne’s other loving family members include: her sons-in-law, Rudy Herman and Kent Butler; her daughter-in-law, Norma Manhart, grandchildren, Katie Contois, Casey Herman, Christopher Whitfill, Colin Whitfill and great-grandchildren, McKenna Contois and Mason Contois.

Al and Joanne were a true love story. They shared 63 years of happy marriage.

She will be laid to rest on Friday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Ennis, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a Memorial Gift to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with her family at www.earthmansouthwest.com.

…on the road again, goin’ places that I’ve never been.