Born at home in Wood River, Illinois, Joan was the 2 ^nd of three children of John and Eva Petitt. As a young girl Joan was active in the Rainbow Girls and her church. She remained strong in her faith her entire life. Upon graduating from Alton High School, she worked for an insurance company in St. Louis, Missouri.

Joan was introduced to George Franklin Flippo in 1947 by her brother Dean. Although Joan declined George's first attempt at a date, she eventually accepted his hand in marriage. The couple were married on September 17, 1950. This was the beginning of 70 years together. The young couple spent their first year of marriage in Morgan Field, Kentucky where George was stationed in the United States Army. George and Joan raised four children, Mike, Cathy, Mark, and Susie. In July of 1951 they welcomed eldest son, Mike. Shortly thereafter the young family moved back to Alton, Illinois. Two years later daughter Cathy was born followed by son Mark, two years later. In 1955 the family followed Joan's parents west settling in Anacortes where youngest daughter Susie was born. They soon outgrew the first family home in the Island View neighborhood and settled into their home of over 30 years on the corner 10th and K Streets. It was here that Joan earned a reputation for always having an open door to family and friends. In the earlier years, she was one of many volunteers at Island Hospital to raise money for the pediatric wing. Joan was the ever busy and energetic mother who was involved with Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Bluebird's as well as being a steady presence at all of the children's activities and athletic events.

Joan lived a very rich life having the opportunities to travel the United States extensively, as well as abroad. She was the consummate grandmother, attending as many events and activities as her grandchildren were involved in. Joan was kind and thoughtful. Always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a fabulous cook and enjoyed preparing large family meals, to which we all reaped the benefits.

Joan was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, George Flippo ; her parents John and Eva; and both of her brothers, Neil and Dean Petitt.

Joan is survived by her four children Mike Flippo/Candy, Cathy Tribuzio/Phil, Mark Flippo/Elise Purcell, and Susan Fritsch/Chris. Grandchildren include William Flippo/Amy, Cindy Gaspar/Jason, Mitch and Clint Flippo, Geoff McOmie, and Mallory Spencer/Jared. She also leaves behind seven great grandchildren, Paisley, Olivia, and Aniston Flippo, Dhillon Gaspar, Amelia McOmie, Corbin and Case Spencer. In addition, Joan is survived by her sister-in-law, Carol Petitt of Portland, Oregon and several nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to acknowledge and thank the following dear friends, Maurice and Helene Fink, Terry and Shirley Fair, Roland and Virginia Culbertson, Don and June Dixon, Dean and Lisa Maxwell, Barbara McClendon, and Sudan Messick. They also wish to express their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers and staff at Rosario Assisted Living as well as the Hospice Care Center staff.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for some time in June and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice of the NW would be greatly appreciated.

To share memories of Joan please go to the online guestbook: www.evanschapel.com