Ethel Irene Whitmer

Ethel Irene Whitmer, 95 of Springfield, passed away on Sunday evening, June 1 at the Aarondale Assisted Living/Retirement Home in Springfield; her daughter and son-in-law were at her side. She lived there since March 2011, she lived in Front Royal prior to moving to Springfield.

She was born on January 10, 1919 in Rappahannock County, the daughter of the late Ed Putnam and Lucy (Fannie) Grimsley Putnam. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wardney Arnold Whitmer; her two sons, Wardney Arnold Whitmer, Jr. and Donald Wade Whitmer; her brother, Earl Putnam; her sisters, Nannie Weaver, Alice Pullen, Katie Pearson, and Ginny Haines.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Jeffers (John) of Springfield; her daughter-in-law, Karen Whitmer of Fort Pierce, FL; her sister, Evelyn Megeath of Front Royal; her four granddaughters; two step-grandchildren in FL; five great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren in FL. As well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was a member of Marlow Heights Baptist Church in Front Royal. She had worked for Fairfax County Public Schools in the cafeteria prior to moving to Front Royal; she also worked at the K-Mart in Front Royal for 10 years but had to retire for health reasons.

She will be long remembered for her loving smile, quick wit; the love for her family and friends; cooking; gardening; pie baking; and taking care of others. She always put others needs before her own.

The family would like to especially thank all the staff at Aarondale Assisted Living and Retirement; Professional Health Care Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care, who provided wonderful care and support to her and her family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 5, 2014 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Turner-Robertshaw Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Turner-Robertshaw Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend James Bunce officiating.

Entombment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made in her name to Professional Health Care Hospice, 7619 Little River Turnpike, Suite 600, Annandale, VA 22003.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family online at www.turnerrobertshaw.com.