Thelma Whitaker

Thelma, the youngest child of John Lane Sr. and Lillian Gheen Willis was born on October 9, 1932 in Laketown, Rich County Utah. Middle and High School years were spent in Clifton, Idaho where she was a speech and theatre star and after graduating went on to Utah State University majoring in Speech and Theater. She was the “Delta Phi Queen of 1950” where John O. Whitaker then promised his friend and Thelma’s older brother that he was going to marry her. After a brief courtship, they were married on December 14, 1951 in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple.

Two children were born in Utah then they moved to Southern California where they had 6 more. Her 8 children have given her 25 grandchildren who in turn gave her 30 great grandchildren. Thelma raised 2 foster children and many others unofficially. In over 40 years she never missed birthday wishes or messages of encouragement to grandchildren and great grandchildren each year.

An excellent homemaker, she also worked as an entertainment industry parent and for more than 30 years as a Health, Beauty and Wellness salesperson and worked helping numerous groups of Japanese exchange students learn American Family life. As member of the LDS Church, Thelma volunteered her time to children, young women and worked as a musical leader while sharing her talents and those of her children with the local congregation.

Survived by her children; Stephen, Laurie Thompson, Linda, John Jr., Mary Dalton, William and Dora Gerzeli. Proceeded in death by her husband John O. Whitaker, Sr., her daughter Sherrie White and her Parents and siblings John Willis III, EllaMae MacDonald and Mary Hunt.

Thelma was a woman who never turned a stranger down, never closed the door, never allowed anyone to have an empty stomach or empty heart.

Services to be held Friday & Saturday November 14 & 15, 2014. Viewing at Eternal Valley Memorial Friday from 5:00 to 7:30 pm 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321 MAP Saturday, November 15, at the Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 13680 Sayre St, Sylmar, CA 91342. Family Viewing at Church of 9:30 to 10:30 am and Memorial Services following from 11:00 to 12:15. Interment at Eternal Valley @ 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, Thelma would love for you to donate to the fund for her granddaughter Amber to fight her second bout with cancer: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-amber-fight-cancer-again/248271.