"To those whose hearts are hurting now that this here-on-earth life doesn't include time with Angela, Know that she blessed me every time I saw her at Schaeffer. She taught me to cease striving and remember that He is God. She would stop cleaning the bathroom when I dashed in for a quick break from teaching, and she would ask about my day & my loved ones. She worked so hard there, never complaining or showing fatigue. Now she can rest. Linda Davis"
In loving memory of
Angela Whateley
July 15, 1937 - May 6, 2022
On May 6th, 2022, Angela Robinette Whateley, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, entered the arms of the Lord at the age of 84 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, MN.
Angela was born on July 15, 1937, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Elmer and Ora (Beverly) Robinette. All her life, Angela marveled. In high school, she was enchanted by the wavy black hair of the teenage boy she sat behind in Spanish class. She fell in love with the owner of that hair and marveled at the loving partnership Henry provided throughout their sixty-four-year marriage. She was less charmed by the sandy backyard of their New Mexican home, turning it into a lush oasis of flowers and fruit trees instead. She marveled at the beauty of the piano, pursuing music education at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She admired the force of the daughter she and Henry raised (and the son-in-law they acquired) and immediately followed Sheri and Colin Driscoll to Minnesota when their first granddaughter arrived. Angela was then blessed with the opportunity to discover the constant mischief two grandchildren could conjure!
As Angela marveled at the joys of the world, others stood in awe of her generosity, kindness, and empathy. She greeted family, friends, neighbors, and strangers with an enthusiastic, "Come in, come in, come in!" as they walked through the often-open front door. Visitors soon found themselves filled with both dessert and an easy sense of belonging. It was a gift to witness the sparkle of curiosity in her eyes as she asked question after question about a variety of topics, while being enveloped in loving attention. She dedicated much of her life to service of the Lord and all people, crafting luxurious flower arrangements for churches, reading voraciously, offering mentorship to young mothers, engaging in local and national politics, and hosting gatherings ranging from Bible studies to children's tea parties.
Even as Angela's memories faded, she continued to marvel at life's simple gifts. Squirrels frolicking, a prancing pup, and a newly blooming flower were all sources of delight. At the end of her life, she treasured holding the hands of both those she had loved for years and those she had just met. Her kindheartedness drew out the best in others - encouraging patience, peace, and gratitude for the present moment.
Angela was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers. Her full, passionate life and loving spirit are missed and celebrated by her husband William "Henry" Whateley, daughter and son-in-law Sheri and Colin Driscoll, granddaughters Abigail and Avery Driscoll, and brother and sister-in-law Larry and Joan Robinette.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 3:30 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home to be followed by a memorial gathering at the Ranfranz Remembrance and Reception Centre. Burial will take place at Oakwood East Cemetery. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com. Memorial contributions to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund https://curealz.org/giving/donate/ are welcome.
Tributes
"Oh dear Henry, we are so sorry for your loss, wonderful Angela; a dear lady of kindness and encouragement. I remember lunch in your home with some lovely Christ Community Church ladies. She joined me in my home for my specialty, a loaded Omelette, something good that she had not made herself. She was a grand lady, lovely in every way. God Bless Her; she is with Jesus, her Lord and Savior. May the Lord comfort you, and heal your lonely heart. Look to Him, He is there, and He knows you miss her. Lovingly, David and Paulette Johnson ( a couple in your past), when we all went to Christ Community Church."
"I knew Angela through church. What a kind, humble, caring and loving woman. I am so sorry for your loss of such a beautiful person. Dianne Rench"
"I remember Angela's genteel servant's heart as she often worked alongside Henry in his position at Schaeffer Academy. Angela taught me how to meticulously clean and sanitize the bathrooms and I strove to attain her standard of excellence. She was well versed on political policies and also championed the rights of those living in unfortunate circumstances. She discussed these in her quiet but knowledgeable manner as she educated many of us. I will remember Angela as a compassionate woman of God with a servant's heart. "He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces...." Isaiah 25:8 I pray that our Lord will provide comfort and peace for Henry and the Driscoll family. Thank you for sharing Angela with us. Mary Goedhart"
"Dear Whatley Family, We grieve with you at the loss of dear Angela and we celebrate with you in the trust that she is in the loving arms of Jesus, her Lord. Angela was the picture of a loving, willing servant in everything she did. Her devotion and partnership with Henry was the picture of marriage that we should all strive for. Our prayers will be lifted up to God for Henry and the entire family, Love, Chuck and Nita Wallace"
"Beautiful auburn hair, soft yet strong voice, sewing, fruit trees, pies, graciousness to this forthright child (I can eat a whole steak), wisdom, patience, solace (don't touch the window-- I am sure that was Kathryn), hospitality, entrepreneur, dedicated, never lacking a family update in marvelous detail, beloved friend to our entire family. Much, much love, Karolyn and Kathryn "
"Beautiful auburn hair, soft yet strong voice, wise advice, fruit trees, yummy pies, sewing, gracious to this forthright child (I can eat a whole steak), patient (don't touch the window - immediate first aid - I am sure that was Kathryn) entrepreneur, loving friend. Much, much love! "