Lois M. Whitaker

Lois M. Whitaker, 96, of Mound Valley, passed away the morning of Friday, August 22, 2025, at Advena Living of Cherryvale.

Lois Marie McNeal was born on May 14, 1929, to Ira and Beatrice (Harbour) McNeal in Lafontaine, Kansas.  As a young girl, she grew up and attended school in Lafontaine.

On December 6, 1947, Lois and Orby Whitaker were united in marriage in Fredonia, Kansas.  While Orby served in the United States Air Force, the family moved to many different Air Force bases around the country.  In 1994, the family settled in Mound Valley, where Lois has lived since.

Lois was a member of the Mound Valley United Methodist Church.  She was also a long-time volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Her main passion in life was her family.  A talented seamstress and quilter, Lois made a quilt for all of her family and put special care into each of the seven grandchildren's quilts.  She also enjoyed being outdoors, especially going fishing and boating with her husband, Orby.  She was also an excellent outdoor cook.

Survivors include:

Two sons – Dave Franklin Whitaker and his wife, Mary, of Mound Valley, Kansas

Marvin Lee Whitaker and his wife, Barbara, of Mound Valley, Kansas

Seven grandchildren – Chris Whitaker of Parsons, Kansas; Steven Whitaker and his wife, Renea, of Mound Valley, Kansas; Stacey Leech and her husband, Jim, of Parsons, Kansas; Sherry Whitaker of Webb City, Missouri; Samantha Mathis of Parsons, Kansas; Cody Whitaker of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Chad Whitaker and his wife, Danae, of Parsons, Kansas

17 great-grandchildren

Two great-great-grandchildren

One sister – Anna May Modesitt and her husband, Merle, of Thayer, Kansas

Many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orby Whitaker, on July 29, 2010; one son, Wayne Whitaker, on June 3, 2018; her brother, Roland McNeal; and three sisters, Betty Whitaker, Erma P. Pearce, and Norma Taylor.

The graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Mound Valley Cemetery in Mound Valley.

Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross.  These may be left at or sent to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.