Elizabeth Joann Massey

Elizabeth Joann Massey September 8, 1937 - November 9, 2011 Joann was born September 8, 1937 in Hollister, OK to Ben & Alyce Gill. She passed away at her home on November 9, 2011, surrounded by those she loved most, after a brief battle with cancer. Joann came to California as a young girl in 1942 during the dustbowl and settled in Avenal. Later the family moved to Ivanhoe where she attended school and gained many lifelong friends. Joann graduated from Porterville High School in 1956. In 1958 she married Layton Pace and had three children: Jana, Darren and Stacy. Later she married Ron Massey and another son, Brian, was born. Joann was an identical twin to her sister June Ann and their close bond was cherished by them both. You would rarely see one without the other. Joann retired from working at Sunkist for many years. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her four children and enjoying the love and laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joann is survived by daughter Jana Snow, son Darren Pace, daughter Stacy Hutchinson and son Brian Massey. Grand-children Amy (Travis) Carpenter, Sara Carlson, Michelle Smart, Josh (Cierra) Donnahoe, Madison & Katelyn Hutchinson, Valeri Pace and Brandon Massey. Great-grandchildren Whitney Carlson, Hailey Mittel, Matthew Diniz, Colby & Savannah Smart, Cason Carpenter and Gage Donnahoe. She is also survived by brother Ben (Vivian) Gill, sister-in-law Rose Gill, Sisters Phyllis Thompson, June Ann Rippetoe and Beth (John) Haro and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Gill, sister Ruth Massey and infant brother Bobby Wayne Gill. Special thanks to Optimal Hospice and Susan Tillotson and PA Patricia A. King. Public Memorial Service Wednesday, November 16, 2011 11:00 a.m. Visalia Cemetery Pavilion.