Ione E. Whitburn, 94, passed away on Sunday April 13, 2008 at the Bishop Noa Home.

Ione was born on January 20, 1914 in Marinette, WI, the daughter of William and Marie (Steberl) Girard. Ione was united in marriage to Wilbur Whitburn on April 29, 1939 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Escanaba. They made their home in Escanaba where they raised their children.

Ione received her Associates Degree from Bay De Noc College in Escanaba in 1979. She had worked for Lauerman’s Department Store and Peterson’s Shoe Store. She was also a RSVP volunteer at the Delta County Heath Department. Ione was an active member of St. Joseph/St. Patrick Church, belonging to the choir, Alter Society and the 3rd Order of St. Francis.

Ione is survived by;

1 son: Richard (Patsy) Whitburn of Norman, Oklahoma

3 daughters; Mary Beth (Patrick) Bishop of Green Bay, WI, Kathryn (Thomas) Smith of Green Bay, WI, Mary Sue Whitburn and a very close friend, Judy Griep, both of Waukesha, WI

1 sister; Beatrice (Edmund) Waeghe of Gladstone

11 grandchildren

17 great grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents, Ione was preceded in death by;

Husband; Wilbur R. Whitburn

Son; Michael

4 brothers; William Girard, Lowell (Margarite) Girard, Edward (Agnes) Girard, Adolph (Betty) Girard

3 sisters; Gloria (Bud) Bordlis, Geraldine (Tom) Novak and Luella Clark

Ione’s family will receive friends on Friday April 18, 2008 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM with Parish Prayers and a Rosary to complete visitation being recited at 6:30 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial services celebrating the life of Ione E. Whitburn will be held on Saturday April 19, 2008 at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph/St. Patrick Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Eric Olson officiating. Burial will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.