JOANNE MARIE ROOT
Dr. Joanne Marie Root, DO, FAAFP, FHM, 61, of Alpena passed away in the company of her family and friends on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, after a nine-month courageous fight with cancer. She was a selfless loving person that ministered to many people in the community.
Joanne was born Dec. 12, 1956, in Royal Oak to the late George and Elizabeth (Chapman) Riharb. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Mercy College and Osteopathic Degree from Michigan State University in 1995. On Jan. 1, 2004, she married Douglas Bliss. Joanne was a member of New Life Christian Fellowship. She allowed her Christian witness to shine and influenced many people to be their best. She took the time to listen with a caring heart and believe in the best of all people. She loved her family, rescuing coonhounds, and flower gardening. Joanne loved to play the flute and was a member of the Wind Song Quartet Symphony and Alpena Symphony.
Surviving are her husband, Doug; six children, Joshua Root, Elizabeth Root, Sarah Kozal, Rachel Root, Jason (Katie) Bliss, Warren Bliss; eight grandchildren; five siblings, George (Katherine) Riharb, Paul (Chris) Riharb, Mary (Kenneth) Stidwill, Patricia Riharb, Karen (Jeffrey) Enyart; several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Friday from 2-8 p.m. and continue Saturday at New Life Christian Fellowship from 1 p.m. until the funeral service at 2 p.m. with Pastors Gary and Michelle Smith officiating.
Interment: Sanborn Township Cemetery
Memorials: New Life Christian Fellowship, McLaren Hospice or Huron Humane Society