Obituary of Eleanor M Whitaker

WHITAKER, Eleanor M. and Fred Eleanor, 86, of Tucson, entered heavenly rest on March 13, 2016 at Tucson Mountain Assisted Living ACH. Born March 13, 1930 in Olanta, PA to Marjorie and Blaine Norris, Eleanor grew up on her parent's farm, loving school in a one room schoolhouse and caring for her younger brother and nephew. She married Frederic T. Whitaker of Curwensville, PA and became an excellent mother to six children as well as a foster mother. Eleanor began her career at TUSD when her youngest child started in school. Her joy was hosting kid's Bible clubs, teaching Sunday School and serving her Lord and her church. She shared camping, horseback riding, traveling with family and enjoyed accordion lessons and Old Time Fiddlers. Celebrating her life are children, Kathy Gurley (Richard), Wanda Hammonds (Randy), Carol Berry (Alonzo), Fred/Tom Whitaker (Cindy), Doreen Sexton (Blake) and Jerri Foote (Dennis); 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grands and two great-great-grands. Also survived by three of her six siblings, Karl Norris (Maxine) of Alexandria, VA, Audrey Byron of Philipsburg, PA, Harold Norris of Cincinnati, OH, many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by husband, Fred, on November 6, 2014 and by youngest son, Merrill Blaine. A Memorial Service is planned at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Mission Park Baptist Church, 2101 W. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ, officiant Jeff Bernal. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds may be donated to Youthhaven.org Thank you to her caregivers at Tucson Mountain Assisted Living ACH of Tucson and Agape Hospice. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, with physical donation to SWIBA.