Sept. 27, 1937 – April 11, 2025
Ruth Joanne Withers, “Joanne” to those who knew and loved her, 87, formerly of Sturgeon Bay, fell asleep in the loving arms of her family and awoke in the arms of the Lord, Friday evening, April 11, 2025 at Anna’s House CBRF in New Franken.
She was born Sept. 27, 1937 in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of the Helen Louise Coulson Babcook. Joanne was baptized at Union Methodist Church. She attended Quincy High School and graduated with the class of 1955. She went on to study accounting at the Gem City Business College in Quincy.
Joanne was united in marriage to David Ellis Withers on Sept. 28, 1957 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy. Together, they resided in rural Quincy.
Joanne worked for Tenk Hardware in the office.
After vacationing at Jellystone in Door County, she and David moved to Door County in 1970. Joanne initially worked as an office manager for Midwest Wire, before going to work for Wiegand Oil Co., both in Sturgeon Bay. She also co-owned an insurance business with David. Joanne devoted many years to caring for individuals in the comfort of their respective homes as an (in-home) caregiver.
She and David eventually became part of the faith family at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay. Joanne was also a member of the International Association of the Rebekah Assemblies (IARA) also known as the Rebekahs as well as Sturgeon Bay Business Women’s. She served as Secretary of the Wisconsin Trappers Association.
Joanne loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She and David enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. Joanne loved to cook and bake. She also enjoyed tending to the flowers in her garden.
She and David were blessed with nearly 60 years of marriage. He preceded Joanne in death on June 5, 2017.
Joanne moved into Anna’s House CBRF in New Franken in October of 2023.
Her love will live on in the hearts of her children, John (Kathleen “Kathy”) Withers of Blue River, William “Bill” (Celeste) Withers of Iron River, and Anne (John) Bauer of Suamico; grandchildren, David Withers and Joshua (Tina) Withers, Levi (Jessie) Withers, Billie Jo (special friend, David Salmeri) Withers, and Johnny Bauer; three great-grandchildren, Amelia Withers, Ivan Withers, and Leah Withers; stepsister, Roberta Lewis of Payson, IL; siblings-in law, Steve (Laura) Withers of Quincy, and Marcia Clift of Henry, Illinois.
Joanne was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Helen and Frank Walker; husband, David; and brothers-in-law, Philip (Anne; Hilda) Withers, Robert Clift, and Kenneth Lewis.
Her life was honored with a memorial service held at 4 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay with Pastor James Gomez officiating. Visitation for family and friends was at the church on Sunday from 2 pm until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given for her family.
“Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Bristol Hospice, especially Lacey, Heidi, and Paxton and also to everyone at Anna’s House for the wonderful, loving care you gave to our mother.”
Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Withers family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Joanne may be shared with her family through her tribute page at HuehnsFuneralHome.com