Wilma Whitener

PATTON, Mo. -- Wilma Whitener, 90, of Patton passed away Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 28, 1920, in Marble Hill, Mo., oldest daughter of Charles J. and Ida Yount Wallis. On Oct. 12, 1940, she married Wendell M. "Jack" Whitener at Liberty Congregational Methodist Church near Marquand, Mo.

She had been a resident of Woodland Hill for the last 2 1/2 years in Marble Hill. She was a lifelong member of Liberty Congregation Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher.

In the early years of her life she taught school at Baker Hill, Grassy, North Patton and Barber schools until after World War II. After the war she and Jack purchased the Whitener store in Patton, which they owned and operated 42 1/2 years. She was a 4-H leader more than 20 years at Patton 4-H Club, teaching sewing to many young girls. She was a member of the County Extension Club many years and was also a member of Happy Old People of Patton.

She is survived by a son, John (Lois) Whitener of Marble Hill; a daughter, Mary Lou (Terry) Conrad of Patton; a sister, Mary Wallis of Marble Hill; two grandsons, Justin Conrad and Chris (Jessica) Conrad, of Patton; three great-grandchildren, Chase David, Allie Jo and Bode Conrad; and a host of family and friends.

Preceding her in death was her husband, parents, and a brother, J.B. Wallis.

Friends may call at Liley Funeral Home in Patton from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and from 10 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at Liberty Congregational Methodist Church.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Revs. Kirby Grindstaff and Jamie Hovis officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.