Joan Whichello

Asheville Joan Frances Leighty Whichello, 79, of 316 Onteora Blvd passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley in Newton, NC. A native of Washington, Indiana, she had resided most of her life in Ocean Port, N.J. She had resided in Asheville since 1994 and attended Oakley United Methodist Church. Mrs. Whichello was the daughter of the late Rufus Leighty and Ina May Loos Miller and wife of the late Glen Roland Whichello. She was also preceded in death by her step-father, Harold Miller. Surviving are her sons, Robert Whichello & wife, Colleen of Scottsdale, AZ, Gary Whichello of Hickory and Steven Whichello & wife, Ramona of Asheville; grandchildren, Kevin & wife, Jennifer, Kerry, Brian, Emily, Bethany & Sarah. Memorial services will be held 2 P.M. Thursday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home with Rev. Noel Hendrix officiating. Graveside services will follow in Green Hills Cemetery with Rev. Russ Pierce officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 P.M. prior to services on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Oakley United Methodist Church, Lytle Fund, 607 Fairview Road, Asheville, N.C. 28803.