Joanne E. Gorby

Joanne Ellen Watt Gorby, 79, of Washington, formerly of Greene County, died peacefully in her home, Friday, February 1, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was born in Petersburg, Illinois, on October 15, 1933, a daughter of the late William and Josephine Rush Watt of Phoenix, Arizona. Mrs. Gorby graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1950. She worked for Bell Telephone before serving as a Yeoman in the Navy during the Korean War. From 1978 to 1999, she was employed as a front desk clerk for Days Inn and Washington Motor Inn. In 2005, after five years of service, she retired from the Waynesburg Super 8. Mrs. Gorby attended North Buffalo Presbyterian Church. She supported the Buffalo Grange and was a member of Civil War Trust, a preservation association to preserve Civil War sites. Mrs. Gorby was very interested in Civil War history and traveled with friends to tour various Civil War sites. On June 23, 1953, she married Jack D. Gorby, who died January 23, 1994. Surviving are one son, Gary Dale (Kathy) Gorby of Washington; two daughters, Shelley Jean (Jeff) Lahew of Claysville and Terri (Jack) Davin of Graysville; eight grandchildren, Melissa (Ed) Six, Jennifer (Mike) Bilonick, Jodi (Zach) Richards, Kelsey Davin, Alexis Gorby, Randy (Heather) Rohm, Jason (Kristi) Rohm and Casey Davin; six great-grandchildren, Madison Six, Nathan Bilonick, Jacob Bilonick, Cody Rohm, Elizabeth Rohm, and Abigail Rohm. Deceased is a brother, William Barrett Watt. A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, February 6th, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:30 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Civil War Trust (civilwar.org), 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005.