Carolyn Whitaker

Carolyn JoAnn Whitaker, 77, of Bellefontaine and formerly of DeGraff, passed away at 8:02 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Kindred Hospital in Lima, Ohio. She was born in Hazard, Kentucky on November 22, 1939, a daughter of the late Audrey Williams and the late Reese & Bert Rutledge. She was also preceded in death by a brother.

On August 5, 1956, JoAnn married Richard L. “Sonny” Whitaker, and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2014.

JoAnn and Sonny are survived by their five children; Marjorie (Cameron Dyer) Hursh of DeGraff, Jennifer (Glen) Kreglow of DeGraff, Richard “Keith” (Tonya) Whitaker of DeGraff, Gregory “Brian” Whitaker of Bellefontaine, and Corey (Erin Workman) Whitaker of Bellefontaine; 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; a brother; and her loving companion dog “Gidget”.

JoAnn was a self-motivated entrepreneur for over 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.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the DeGraff United Methodist Church, 1839 County Road 24, DeGraff, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon with Pastor Michael Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood-Union Cemetery in DeGraff, Ohio.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in DeGraff.