Obituary of Twila Joanne Whitlock

Twila Joanne Kohler Whitlock (Jan or Jannie to family and friends) passed away from cancer May 14, 2015. Gathering her herd of heavenly cats, she resumed her early morning walks "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (the most popular song at the time of her birth). Born on February 16, 1939 in the Nebraska sandhills town of Roscoe, she cherished her Nebraska roots and returned to visit the family farm throughout her life. In 1942 the family moved to Tucson where her father began his 34-year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad. She began her schooling at Blenman and graduated with the first graduating class of Catalina High in 1957. An animal lover as a result of childhood summers spent on the farm with all the critters, she had a special passion for cats and horses. Lucky was the stray cat who found her yard. In her younger years Jan was an accomplished pianist and her artistic side reflected itself in beautiful watercolor renderings of horses. In mid-life she took up running and ran a marathon with her younger sister. When she lost the spring in her step she switched to daily walks. In her senior years she continued to work and was a voracious reader. She worked in engineering departments at companies beginning with Duval Corporation and continuing to her "dream" job at Kelly, Wright and Associates until the onset of her illness. Jan loved early mornings before sunrise, tending to all manner of flora and fauna, the bedlam of family Thanksgivings, practical jokes, a good laugh, and enjoying large quantities of ice cream. Preceded in passing by her parents and younger sister, Chrissy. Jan is survived by sons, Michael and Jim; granddaughters, Madeline and Isabelle; siblings, Mona Hoover, Lonnie Kohler, Wally Kohler, Jeff Kohler and cats, Cowboy and Petey. A Celebration of life to remember Jan will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, 6200 N. Club House Lane, Tucson 85750. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the CancerCare Copayment Assistance Foundation, or a no-kill animal shelter. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel