Joan Ray Pittman-Hill (Wilkerson) was born August 9, 1919, in Lawrenceburg, MO to Donald M. and Myrtle Faye (Wilkerson) Riddel. She was welcomed into the family by two-and-a-half year older sister Noma June and they welcomed a younger sister, Emma Jewell, two-and-a-half years later. Joan attended Halltown H.S. where she played basketball with her sisters. Following high school she would meet Cecil Pittman. She traveled to San Diego, California where Cecil was stationed with the U.S. Navy. They drove to Arizona to be married, and then returned to San Diego to stay for eight years while Cecil completed his military service. They returned to a small farm just outside of Halltown, MO, where they would start a family. Son, Neil Emmett, would be born in 1947, followed in three years, to the day, by daughter Nedra Fay. Joan would become a full time homemaker. Her sisters lived close enough for frequent visits. The family would move to a farm outside Ash Grove in 1952. She and Cecil would also start a new coin-operated laundry on Main Street. They would purchase property along Highway 160 to build a new building for the laundry and added a dry-cleaners and car wash. The rear of the property would become a mobile home park. As a member of the Ash Grove Christian Church, one of her proudest days was when Cecil joined the church. After seven years a business opportunity would take the family to Springfield. Joan again lived closer to her sisters and their families. June was married to Orval Pyeatt and had daughter Sue. Emma Jewell was married to Don Pollard and had daughter Noma. These families spent numerous holidays and special occasions together. Joan also took an active role in supporting her children in their varied activities. Retirement brought Cecil and Joan back to Ash Grove and the enjoyment of Neil's children Kristin, Keil, and Kasie and Nedra's children Tysha and Tara. Leisure time travel brought extensive trips to several states and Canada, which brought lots of photos and fond memories. Cecil developed health issues, which kept them close to home. A forty-nine-year marriage would end when complications from surgery would cause Cecil's death in 1988. Joan returned to Springfield, where she and her sisters continued their closeness. She enjoyed attending dances with friends at several senior centers. In 1995, she would be introduced to Al Hill. Lots of dances and marriage would follow. They also, enjoyed traveling and spending time at the Nixa Senior Center several nights each week. Al was welcomed, along with his children Cindy, Kathy, Mark, and their families, as a valued and respected part of Joan's life. They would look forward to frequent visits from their children, grandchildren and great-grand children. Invitations to special family gatherings would bring smiles and interesting stories from both. Al's heart problems limited their ability to continue such a mobile lifestyle. Al's death in November 2007 would leave Joan to finish her life's journey without a mate. Her faith and her grit would support her in her battle with Alzheimer's. Joan was blessed with the births of great-grand children, step-grand children and the upcoming marriage of her grandson, in her final days. Everyone will always love and miss, but not forget "Grandma"! A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 13 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with the Reverend Dennis Miller officiating. Burial will be on Monday in Greenlawn Cemetery in Walnut Grove, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter, Glen Isle Center, 1500 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804, or to the charity of the donor's choice.