Jo Ellen Wade Whaley


Published on Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:21 PM AKDT

Jo Ellen Wade Whaley, 57, died Oct. 11, 2008 at her home in Wasilla.

Whaley was born in Madera, Calif., March 30, 1951 to Dick and Alva Wade.

She and her family moved to Alaska in 1957. She attended Chugiak Elementary and graduated in 1969 from Chugiak High School, where she was captain of the cheerleading squad. She married the love of her life, Stephen E. Whaley, on May 23, 1971 and they raised five children and eight grandchildren.

“She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and parishioner of the church,” her family wrote. “She loved her family and she had a deep faith of the Scriptures and of Heavenly Father. She was very passionate about politics, true testimony of the Gospel, and researching geneology of her family. She loved animals, baking and telling jokes. She cherished above all her family and friends, second only to her faith in God and Jesus.”

Whaley was an associate at Gottschalks retail store for 17 years and loved her job and working with the public. She had a talent for writing and a love of music and community.

“She was loved and will be truly missed more than words can ever describe,” her family added.

She is survived by her mother Alva Baker; husband, Steve Whaley; sons Seth Edward Whaley and fiancé Shana, Luke Austin Whaley and friend Cathy, and Stephen Wade Whaley; daughters Jessica Elizabeth Milwicz and husband, Monte, and Amanda Marie Whaley and fiance Clarence; grandchildren Kelci, Caleb, Dakoda, Peyton, Connor, Gracie, Madison and Caitlin; sister Connie; and nieces Stephanie and Amy and their children.

There will be an official memorial service 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 and celebration of life at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 821 E. Dellwood St., Wasilla.

 

Copyright © 2009 Frontiersman

Comments

6 comment(s)

    Theresa Robbins wrote on Oct 20, 2008 7:52 PM:

    " I am so sorry for all her dear loved ones. Jo Ellen was so full of stories and admiration of you all. I have lots of memories that will always make me smile, as I know you all do. Hold them tight and cherish each one. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Theresa Robbins "

    Sandi Molloy wrote on Oct 19, 2008 7:27 PM:

    " My deepest sympathy for Jo Ellen's family. I worked with her over the years at Lamonts/Gottschalks and she was a terrific lady. She will be greatly missed. "

    Heidi Lovley Stewart wrote on Oct 19, 2008 6:11 AM:

    " Jo Ellen was my 1st friend when I moved to Alaska from Maine 15 years ago. We worked together at Lamont's (before it was Gottschalks). She was always so positive and we had many wonderful conversations. We kept in touch after I got married and moved back to Maine. I am so sad that the world has lost such a beautiful person. She was an inspiration to me even after all of the hardships that she had in her life. I'll never forget her. You are a strong family. She is still with you.

    God Bless,

    Heidi "

    Kim Hollibaugh and Family wrote on Oct 17, 2008 10:52 PM:

    " We are so sorry and so very saddened to hear about Jo Ellens passing. I loved working with Jo all these years, she made me laugh every day. She was a beautiful women inside and out who we will miss dearly but will NEVER forget. You all are in our prayers and in our hearts. The Gottschalks mens department will never be the same with out our beloved Jo Ellen. God be with you all.

    Our deepest sympathy,

    Kim and Terry Hollibaugh and family "

    Karin Fish Doisher Covey wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:31 PM:

    " Oh dears! I weep for your family! Jo
    Ellen was a WONDERFUL woman and I loved my conversations with her over the years, wealways chatted about our families. I loved her as a cheerleader at Chugiak High School. God be with you Steve as you and your family grieve. "

    Jill Eblen wrote on Oct 17, 2008 12:26 PM:

    " I am so very sorry to hear of Jo Ellen's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. "

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