Ellen J. Whitney, 97, died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016, at her Newton residence.
She was born March 1, 1919, in Kanona, N.Y., to Elmer and Sybil (Miles) Failing. On Jan. 4, 1944, she married Donald Whitney at Hanford, Calif., and he survives her.
Ellen served her country during World War II in the Army Air Corps “WACS.” She was a member of the Meridian Baptist Church in Newton and enjoyed spending time reading, tending flowers and taking walks around the neighborhood. She also looked forward to road trips and traveling around the country with her husband.
She is survived by her husband Donald of the home; daughters Carole and Bob Howes of Poway, Calif., and Donna and David Withiam of Newton; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and sisters, and one grandson.
Graveside committal service was on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton with Chaplain Jerroll Martens and Pastor Scott Kliewer presiding.
Memorials are suggested to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
