Joretta Sue Wheadon, 93, of Rochester, passed away in the early morning hours of September 5, 2025, at her home.
On August 6, 1932, Joretta Sue Ranz was born at home in the Burton community. She was a precious daughter of Albert and Dolly Leeds Ranz. Growing up she shared her childhood with a sister Cherry. Joretta was a proud member of the Rochester High School class of 1950.
Joretta married the love of her life Mr. Wilbur O. Wheadon in 1949. Together they enjoyed over 70 years of life's adventures. From their union came a handsome son Ron. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of three more generations.
With great compassion and a heart for her patients she initiated her health care career at Long Cliff State Hospital in Logansport. During the interim she served stints with other area nursing homes. She concluded her career in health care as the Activity and Social Director of Hickory Creek in Rochester.
As the matriarch of the Wheadon family, Grandma Joretta was proud to oversee five generations, her beautiful legacy. She just enjoyed her 93rd birthday party last month with her family. There was nothing better than getting together with family at the holidays and also for other special family celebrations. Of course, at her side was her faithful canine Buster the Boston Terrier.
Joretta will be lovingly remembered by her son Wilbur Ronald "Ron" & Karen Wheadon of Rochester; three grandchildren: Jim & Andrea Wheadon, Paul & Megan Wheadon, Goldia & Bryce Abbs; four great-grandchildren: Cree, Wade, Ailene and Journi; three great-great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Kain and Zayden; her sister Cherry Ranz Leeds and husband Bob Hellrung of Bourbon, MO; and her partner in crime, Buster the Boston Terrier.
It was Joretta's wishes for a private family celebration to be held at a later date.
