Joann Wheatley

JoAnn Marie Wheatley-MacGruder Born in Effingham, Kansas on 27 April 1932. JoAnn Wheatley-MacGruder, 722 No. Valley Drive, Grand Junction, lost a long battle with a disabling disease on Friday, October 14, 2016. She was 84. A loving wife and mother, she is mourned by husband Robert MacGruder of Grand Junction and children Duane Lee (Carol) Wheatley of Grand Junction, Debbie Jo Leavitt (Wade) of Edmond, OK, David Buck Wheatley (Trish) of Monroe, Utah, and Charles Frederick “Rick” Wheatley (Shauna) of St. George, Utah. One son, Darrell predeceased JoAnn. Her step children, Valorie MacGruder Nystrom, Jeff and Greg Ramsey also mourns their step mother. JoAnn was known for her endless energy and friendly demeanor. She was always on the move and happy to help others. She loved chatting with younger visitors and always was good for a sales pitch or Halloween trick or treators. JoAnn was active in the food service industry for over 40 years both as a waitress and in Management. She loved being around people and ended her career with 20 well-spent years at Denny’s restaurant on Horizon Drive where she mostly enjoyed meeting and seating people. She is remembered for her warm smile and holiday decorations of the restaurant, particularly those at Christmas. JoAnn’s first husband Charles “Buck” Wheatley Died in 1984 after serving over 20 years in and retiring from the Air Force. Sharing in that service commitment, JoAnn became expert at moving her family of five children to many foreign and U.S. based locations. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, November 5th at the Moose Lodge on 25 Road, where refreshments will be served following the service. Cremation was held earlier and the family requests that instead of flowers, donations be sent, in her memory, to Hope West Hospice at 3090 north 1th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506