Mary Whitaker

April 4, 1922 - May 8, 2018

Mary Seely Whitaker was born on April 4th, 1922 in Vancouver, B.C. She died May 8th, 2018 at the Rose Garden Estate in Ritzville, WA. She was the daughter of Handford and Emma Mary Brown, and had a brother named William Brown. She was married to George W. Whitaker for over 25 years. George passed in November of 1978. They had three daughters; Maureen (Ron) Freeman, Linda (Tom) Kadlec, and Peggy (Ken) Strickler. Peggy died in 2008. Mom had nine grandchildren; Kelly and Kyle Kadlec, Glenn and Brett Freeman, Tamara, Russ, Dawn Monica, and Jason Strickler. She also had 18 great grandchildren. Mom and Dad lived in the Tri-Cities for many years as Dad worked at the Handford Nuclear Reservation. A few years after his death, she moved to Las Vegas to be near her daughter Peggy. She loved Las Vegas! After Peggy's death, we moved her to the Rose Garden in October of 2009. Maureen`s memories exceeded how she loved to "shop till she dropped" (especially for clothes). She was an excellent cook and loved working in her flower beds. Mom`s parents were caretakers of a castle located approximately 20 miles west of Lancaster, CA. It was known as "Sheas Castle". Mom lived there when she was six years old. She made pets of all the horses and had a big collie dog named Don that she loved. Her mother was a requested nurse and was needed there. The Rose Garden staff was very good to Mom as she found it difficult as an independent woman, to conform to the requirements of living in an assisted care facility. As far as I'm concerned, the Rose Garden has many "angels" running around up there. They are all called caregivers. We are so fortunate to have this facility in Ritzville. I also want to thank the Assured Hospice program in Moses Lake for their caring and compassionate care Mom received. Last, but certainly not least, my family would like to thank Dr. Sackmann and his staff for their compassionate care to our Mom... Only found in a small town! Memorials can be sent to Assured Hospice Program in Moses Lake, WA & Zion Philadelphia Church in Ritzville, WA. A memorial service was held on July 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Zion Philadelphia Church in Ritzville. Cremation and Funeral Arrangements were handled out of state by Danekas Funeral Home. Mrs. Whitaker will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, in Hall, Indiana, where friends and family may meet at hall cemetery for a brief graveside service that will begin at 1:00p.m., on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, with inurnment to immediately follow. To share a favorite story, light a candle in Mary's memory or send the family an online condolence or sympathy gift visit her online tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.