Ripon
Joanne Carolyn Knauff Waldon
August 16, 1939-May 27, 2013
Beloved mother, grandmere, great grandmother, sister, cousin and friend Carolynn Waldon left her struggles behind for a better life on Monday, May 27, 2013. Born in Tucson, AZ on August 16, 1939, Carolynn spent her early years in the copper mining country of southern Arizona. A bright and studious girl, she skipped seventh grade to move ahead to match her capabilities. In the summer of 1955, she met the man of her dreams, Hollis Burl Waldon, while working at the concession counter of the local movie theater. They married January 7, 1956. Carolynn graduated as Valedictorian of her senior class in May of that year. She and Hollis shared many travels and adventures through the years, living in Tucson, Idaho, Missouri, Florida, and settling in Ripon in 1967.
Carolynn was an accomplished pianist, seamstress, cook, and homemaker. Her greatest love, though, was genealogy. She began researching her own family history, but her dedication progressed to include the Waldon history also. Her efforts to track down ancestors brought her great joy and satisfaction. In the process, Carolynn wrote and self-published several volumes focusing on different individuals in the family. She was in the process of writing her own life story at the time of her death.
Carolynn was a selfless, generous person, giving time and effort to countless needs and causes through her church. Her involvement with the church was a great source of strength and consolation.
Survivors include daughter Della Miller and sons Clarke (Karen) and Dean (Michelle), twenty-two grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Carolynn is preceded by husband Hollis, son Scott and daughter Amy.
Services will be held Friday, May 31, at the LDS Church, Ripon Ward, 6060 Northland Rd, Manteca. Viewing will be held at 11 am, with the service at 12 noon, followed by burial at Ripon Cemetery at 2 pm.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Joanne Carolyn Knauff Waldon
August 16, 1939-May 27, 2013