Obituary of Joann Newkirk

Joann Helen Bauman Newkirk passed away suddenly on October 4, 2010 in Tucson, AZ.. She was born on September 8, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan to Otto and Helen Smith Bauman. She spent her childhood on a small family farm in Yale, Michigan the only girl among four brothers. After graduation from Yale High School she attended Henry Ford Hospital's College of Nursing where she earned her degree as a registered nurse. She remained in this position until retirement. It was during nurses training that she met and married Earl Newkirk, her husband of fifty seven years. They had two daughters Janet Newkirk Sparks and Tamer Shelby. When she wasn't working she enjoyed camping and seeing new places. It was on a camping trip from Michigan to San Francisco that inspired a move to Arizona because she was tired of shoveling snow. She loved the desert and it's wildlife. After retirement she continued camping and traveling. She learned to quilt and did beautiful embroidery work and smocking. She volunteered her Time and talents in making gowns for infants with the Wee Care organization and also taught teens to sew with Teens Sew Cool and Sew Fun. She was president of the Silken Threads Smocking group for five years. She leaves behind her husband Earl Newkirk her two daughters Janet and Tamer (Lois Yankowski) her brother Doug (Mary Margret) Bauman and innumerable friends and she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Click for Map and Directions