Joann Ruth Whipple
September 25, 1929 - October 19, 2026
Joann "Jody" Ruth Whipple, age 97, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away October 19, 2026 at Integris Health Ponca City Hospital in Ponca City, OK.
A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at two o'clock in the afternoon at the First Presbyterian/First United Methodist Church, 200 S. 6th St, Ponca City, OK 74601 with pastors Mark Southard and Leon Veazey officiating. Jody will be laid to rest at Odd Fellows Cemetery at a later time.
Jody was born on September 25, 1929 in Saint Louis, MO to Jean and Clara (Tomkins) Dubail. She grew up in St. Louis and lived there for 25 years. After Jody graduated from Soldan High School, she attended Drury College in Springfield, MO and Miss Hickey's Secretarial School in St. Louis, MO. After several years working there she met the love of her life, Arthur Paul "Chip" Whipple II, who was attending St. Louis University under a program with the U.S. Air Force. On August 5, 1954, they married, and the adventure began. Travel was a big part of their lives as they went to Hawaii, Czech Republic and many places in between. The Whipple family moved 23 times ranging from Boston, MA to Sacramento, CA to Billings, MT to New Orleans, LA. In 1971, Chip landed a job with Conoco bringing them to Ponca City, OK. After making Ponca City their home for 10 years, they had yet another move. From 1981 to 1986 they lived in London, England before returning home to Ponca City. During the early years of moving they welcomed three children: Arthur "Paul" III, Peter, and Carol.
Jody worked for Armstrong Cork Co., Cupples Products, Temporary Supply, and the Ponca City Help Line, but her main focus was always her family. Somehow Jody found the time to be an important part of many organizations such as the Presbyterian Women's Group and Twentieth Century Club. She was also a Den Mother for Scouts and a Campfire Girls Leader. She enjoyed many other pastimes through the years like sewing, crafts, card making, and playing bridge. She loved cooking and hosting dinner parties for her many friends. Jody was dedicated to her family and the Presbyterian Church. She was truly admired for her empathy, creativity and generosity.
Jody is survived by her beloved husband of 72 years, Arthur "Chip" Whipple; sons, Paul Whipple and his wife Libby of Medina, OH, and Peter Whipple and his wife Joani of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Carol Lynes and her husband Karl of Ponca City, OK. Grandchildren include Duncan Whipple and Shannon Welsh, Logan Whipple, Calvin and Mariah Whipple, Erin Siffing, Jacob and Kiersten Lynes, Calah and Kip Reiswig. Great-grandchildren include Rowan Anderson, Ramona Cordell, Kaden Lynes, Garrison Lynes, Thaddeus Lynes, Judah Lynes, Mylah Reiswig, and Livy Reiswig. Jody also had numerous nieces and nephews with whom she remained close throughout her life. These include Jean Dubail and Carolyn Jack, Brad Dubail, Karen and Harvey Thomas, Sally Whipple and Bill Kelly, Dorcas and Steve Gorski, and Nelson Whipple and Mia Rigas. She also leaves behind honorary family member Mary Ann Holt and many other dear friends who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jean and Clara Dubail, and her brother, Jean Pierre Dubail II.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church in care of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 West Grand Avenue, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601. We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Jody at www.troutfuneralhome.com.
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