Mary Katherine Whitaker

Kay Whitaker, 78, Tonganoxie, passed away peacefully at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center, April 9, 2006. Kay was born on February 29, 1928 in Ramona, OK to Nathaniel and Goldie (Armstrong) Ellis. She grew up on Oklahoma and Nevada, graduating from Sparks Nevada High School. She attended college at the University of Nevada-Reno. Kay was united in marriage to Warren Whitaker on April 9, 1948 in Ottawa, KS. They lived in eastern Kansas until moving to Washington, KS in 1956. Washington was their home for 37 years before returning to Tonganoxie in 1993. Kay was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Washington and at the time of her death, was a member of the First Congregational Church in Tonganoxie. She was a 50 year member of the Rinda Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and an active member of the Plymouth Guild for many years. She was a loving and loved wife, mother and grandmother. She received great joy in caring for her family. Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years; her parents; and brothers, Nathaniel B. Ellis, Jr. and Donald Wayne Ellis. She is survived by son, Warren Gregory Whitaker and wife Carol, Tonganoxie; daughter Diane Ebbert and husband Joe, Tonganoxie; grandchildren, Jason Whitaker, Bryan Whitaker, Grant Ebbert, Katherine Ebbert, Megan Ebbert; sisters in law Sophie Maxfield and Doris Whitaker as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be remembered for her loving, generous nature, her wonderful laugh and her smile. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at the Ward Funeral Home, Washington. Pastor Robert Palmer will officiate. Burial will be at Hubbell Hill Cemetery, Tonganoxie, KS. Graveside service at 3:00 pm A memorial has been established to be designated at a later time by the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Katherine Whitaker, please visit our flower store.