Joann Painton Phillips

Joann Painton Phillips died peacefully on Monday, March 12, 2012 at her home in Pinetop, Navajo County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. She was 81 years old. Joann was born on May 14, 1930 in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania to the late Burton Francis and Sarah (Johnson) Painton. Joann was a young bride when she married the love of her life, Kermit Raymond Phillips, in 1950. While still living in Pennsylvania, she worked as a switchboard operator for the telephone company for several years. In 1962, she and her husband, as well as there growing family, made the huge move to Arizona's Valley of The Sun, making their new home in Tempe. They, as a family loved living in Tempe! She began working for Motorola and, after many years of faithful service,Joann was able to retire. Never one to be idle, Joann learned that retirement was not for her! She began working for Desert Samaritan Hospital in Mesa as a medical secretary and quickly became a friendly and familiar face to all of her co-workers as well as the public that she served. She truly was a "people" person and found a great sense of joy in taking care of others, especially her family and friends. Joann was a woman who NEVER complained. She always saw the goodness in others and was always able to maintain a positive, cheerful disposition about her; even after being confined to her home for 10 years from complications of a stroke. She was a modest woman whom her children described as being "humble", yet to them, she was always a noble lady. On June 5, 2010 her husband, Kermit, died after 60 years of marriage. Her family now finds a great deal of peace and comfort knowing that when Joann died, they were once again united. This remarkable woman left a beautiful impression on everyone whom ever had the opportunity and privilege to know and love her. She is survived by her 4 children: Steven Phillips of Tucson, Arizona, Susan (Alan) Sokolsky of Gilbert, Arizona, Jeffrey (Barbara) Phillips of Muncy, Pennsylvania, Louise Phillips of Mesa, Arizona; 6 grandchildren: Joshua, Charlie, Grace, Owen, Emma, Sydney and, she is also survived by her dog, Bessie, whom is wondering just when she's going to be back home. Along with her husband and parents, Joann was preceded in death by her sister, Esther Louise. A special memorial service for Joann will begin 1:00 P.M., Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona where her friend, Kevin Weaver, Chaplain of Hospice Compassus will officiate. Her family would publicly like to send a special "Thank-you" to Hospice Compassus and her special caregivers whom took such loving care of her every need over the past several years. Rose, Liana, Penney, Joelle, Audra, Martha and Carolann, "truly you all are angels on earth and we are forever grateful for the loving and compassionate care that you gave our dear mother."