Joan Ruth Waha

Joan R. Waha, 87 of Boyne City, and formerly of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 31, 2026 at The Brook of Boyne City.

Born in Highland Park, Michigan on May 20, 1939, Joan was the daughter of Joseph and Virginia (Shoneman) Moir. She grew up in Detroit where she graduated from Redford High School in 1957. She and her husband Bruce and young children moved to Howell in early 1970, before retiring to Charlevoix in 1988.

Joan was a lifetime member of the LPGA and an accomplished, well respected teaching professional. She spent her career teaching golf clinics and private lessons throughout Michigan and at multiple local golf courses. Her teaching also took her to Illinois, Arizona, Alabama and Arkansas. Joan got her greatest joy from teaching young students the fundamentals of golf through her 30 years as a staff pro with the Charlevoix Junior Golf program.

Joan cherished her family, she enjoyed following the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Joan spent her life sharing her passion of golf, the outdoors, gardening, fishing, birds and camping with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed horses and owned 2, played guitar and won many ribbons at the Emmet County Fair for her photography and her prized 9 year old Geranium.

Joan was preceded in death by Bruce, her husband of 60 years; an infant daughter, Jo Anne Waha; a sister, Virginia Patterson and her parents. She is survived by her son, Douglas B. Waha of Charlevoix; and daughter, Carrie L.(Tom) Roney of Boyne City; grandchildren, Jaimen (Alexandra) Waha, Christopher (Emily) Waha, Alexander Waha, Owen Waha, T.J. Roney, Patrick (Katie) Roney and Maggie (James) Rogers; 11 great grandchildren; a sister, Maresa (Ron) Szokowski; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan's family will celebrate her life at a private family golf outing. Joan and Bruce will be interred together in the Waha family plot at Acacia Park Cemetery in Beverly Hills, Michigan.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in her memory to the Scholarship fund for the Charlevoix Junior Golf Association. Contributions may be sent to Charlevoix Junior Golf , 213 Nettleton St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Joan's family wishes to thank The Brook of Boyne City and Compassus Hospice for their care of Joan and their support to the family.

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