PORTER, Jo Ann

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - Jo Ann (Barinka) Porter, beloved wife and mother, was granted eternal rest Nov. 3, 2012 in Lake Havasu City. Jo Ann was born in Kalamazoo, Mich. June 26, 1939 to Joseph and Emma Barinka who preceded her in death. Jo Ann met James Porter through mutual friends in 1954. The couple later married Aug. 16, 1958 residing in Matawan, Mich. and eventually retiring to Arizona in 1994. They were blessed with one daughter, Julie (Don Gragg). Jo Ann’s life was devoted to her family and friends. She was a volunteer for the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce and always very proud of her gardening contributions to the flower beds in Bronson Park. Sharing her husband’s passion for dog showing, Jo Ann was an honorary member of the Kalamazoo Kennel Club. Her love of music seldom kept her away from her daughter’s band concerts as a student and now teacher. A memorial service will be held Nov. 17, at the Community Presbyterian Church in Lake Havasu City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Jo Ann’s name to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu City, Arizona 86405. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory