Jo Ann Zitlaw

Jo Ann - Zitlaw

1936 - 2022

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Obituary of Jo Ann - Zitlaw

Jo Ann Zitlaw 

Jo Ann (Bruce) Zitlaw, beloved wife of Adolph “Al” Zitlaw; daughter of Iona and Robert Bruce; granddaughter of Henry and Mary Laughlin Bruce, and great granddaughter of Chico pioneers, John Bruce and Millie Thomasson Bruce, passed on to the warm embrace of her Creator surrounded by family on May 28, 2022 in Chico, California at the age of 85.  

Jo Ann was born June 10, 1936 in Santa Maria, California. At the age of five, inspired by her kindergarten experience, she vowed to become a kindergarten teacher, living out her ambition and dream after graduating from Stanford University by going on to teach for 31 years at Fairview, Rosedale and Oakdale schools in Chico.  

In 1951 she met Airman, Al Zitlaw, in Santa Maria, California. Seven years later they married and began the glorious and exciting adventure of raising a family.  Their marriage and lifetime of 71 years together was blessed with two boys, Clifford and Greg, and a daughter Carrie. 

Jo Ann is survived by her husband and three children; nine grandchildren; Tucker Zitlaw, Bailey Partlow, Dakota Watts, Hannah Zitlaw, Sawyer and Tanner Zitlaw, and Ian, Noel and Dale Manis; and further blessed with six great grandchildren.   

Known for her smile, she inspired her many pupils into believing that ‘It is fun to learn’. Jo Ann made the world a better place.  

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Jo Ann
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Brusie Funeral Home