"What Wonderful neighbors the Whitmans were as a kid growing up in Burlington. My brothers and I had many matchbox car chases on the cement wall in front of our homes. Mary always had time to chat and I loved that she and my mother stayed in touch even states apart. Love and warm thoughts to her family. The David Brandstetter Family."
In loving memory of
Mary Mae Whitman
April 20, 1929 - January 5, 2017
Mary Mae Whitman, 87, formerly of Burlington, died on January 5, 2017 at Ashley Manor Care Center in Boonville, Missouri.
Born on April 20, 1929 in Redwood County, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Waters) Siegfried. She married Raymond Whitman on December 7, 1947 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Raymond died November 4, 1997.
Mary was a secretary and librarian for the Burlington School System for 24 years, retiring in 1988.
Mary and Raymond were members and active volunteers at the First Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ in Burlington, Iowa.
Survivors include one daughter; Linda D. Hartman of Prairie Home, Missouri; one son; Gerald R. Whitman of Denver, Colorado; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; six great grandchildren, three brothers, Lester Siegfried of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Marvin Siegfried St. Louis, Missouri, Ervin Siegfried of Ham Lake, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, and three brothers.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12th at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends.
A private family graveside service and committal will be at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 13th at Aspen Grove Cemetery. The Rev. David Younker will officiate.
A memorial has been established for First Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ.
Tributes
"Things you learn from your grandmother: When you find the love of your life, you're very lucky. Life's uncertain eat dessert first. Cherish your family. She will be dearly missed by her grandkids, their spouses and her great grandkids."
"My grandma will be dearly missed. She was a women full of love for her entire family. I always enjoyed visiting her and hearing old stories about her and my grandpa Ray. It was so heartwarming to hear about such great love between two people. Her loving spirit was a great example to us all. Liz "
"Aunt Mary was a special person, she was so upbeat, loving and supportive. I always looked forward to the holiday dinners we spent together. In retrospect, it was fun not only to play with my cousins and to share our new Christmas toys, but to be with Mary and Ray and watch the way they interacted - with humor and love. Both of them had a great sense of humor and they seemed to always have a smile on their face. They are both greatly missed. Our love to your family - Duane & Peg"
"I am blessed to have had Mary as my mother-in-law. She was fiercely devoted to her family. Her love of her husband Ray and devotion to her marriage was an inspiration. She welcomed me into the family circle with open arms and was always supportive in everything I did. I remember her telling me so many times what a good mother I was. Also, what a good cook, good housekeeper, hard worker, you name it, she was always full of praise. Mary was a great example of how to be loving mother-in-law, mother, and wife."
"Many have spoken about my grandmother's sense of humor. When visiting her in Boonville I remember sharing a joke with her that she loved. She then went around Ashly Manor sharing the joke with all her friends, laughing every time she told it. I am sad that she is gone, but know that she has been reunited with my grandfather brings solace. "
"My Grandma was an amazing woman, and will be dearly missed. As sad as I am that she is no longer here, I'm gratified that she has finally been reunited with my Grandfather Ray in heaven. My grandparents were the best example I'd ever seen of two people in love. They also made sure to tell us every time how much they loved all of us. I'll always remember Grandma's courage as she overcame her stroke, her dedication to her family, her faith in God, and her looking forward to seeing Ray again. She was full of love & life. She was funny and a even little mischievous. I'll miss her stories, jokes and our conversations. She loved to laugh and make others smile. She loved children, especially her great grandkids. We love you Grandma (& G.G). Love, Jason, Tessa, Pierce & Grayson"
"One behalf of my mom I want to thank our family and friends that supported mom over the years. After her stroke in 2001 mom showed incredible courage as her life changed. Throughout my life countless people have told me "I just love your mom" which was always a great source of pride for me. My sister and I know that our mom was a very special person and good friend who had a great sense of humor even during very tough times. I love mom and will miss her very much! A very special thanks to our friends at the Ashly Manor Care Center in Boonville, Missouri where mom lived for many years. Your loving care for my mom and the other residents was a joy to experience! I took great comfort in knowing that mom was a part of your community. Gerald"
"My Mom was my friend, my hero and the strongest person I will ever know. My brother and I were blessed with the very best when it came to parents. The faith Mom helped to instill in me reminds me that someday we will be together again. I love you Mom. Linda "
"Mary was such a great friend to my late Mother, Dorothy Rickeberg, and also to myself as we sat together many times at First Christian Church. Her late husband use to love to tease my Mom and she loved it. Mary was one very nice Christian woman who had many friends. Tresa Klaassen (Rickeberg) now of Sioux Falls, South Dakota "