Lester Ross Whittaker

On a gray drizzled morning soon after dawn on October 8th, Lester Ross Whittaker ended his mortal journey in the comfort of his own home holding Elna’s hand, his devoted wife and eternal companion of 72 years. Born July 7th 1927 in Salt Lake City to beloved mother Elsie Campbell Ross Whittaker and father Lester Curle Whittaker, he was the first of five siblings with brothers Kent, Alan and Paul (both deceased), and sister Marilyn.

Raised during the Great Depression, Ross learned the values of hard work, thrift, and fair-dealing at a young age delivering the Salt Lake Tribune on his bike rain, snow, or shine. He earned extra pennies on weekends selling papers from State Street corners including memorably on December 7 1941 the Pearl Harbor attack Special Edition which quickly sold out his 25 copy allotment at 3 cents profit per.

After Graduating Granite High School in 1945 Ross completed an enlistment in the U.S. Navy, then served a mission to England, his mother’s home country, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Not long thereafter he courted, and married on September 2 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple his life’s partner and eternal companion Elna Marie Day Whittaker. They created In the next 13 years a family of seven children: David (1950), Dennis (1952), Cheryl (1954), Lynnette (1955), Holly (1958), Brian (1960), and Susan (1962, born on his birthday!).

They chose then semi-rural Granger which became hectic West Valley, to make homes, the first on American Drive ($78 per month mortgage; grandma Elsie nearly fainted) it’s three bedrooms soon outgrown and the second, built across from an also rising Stake Center, finished to six bedrooms with his labor, by the Bangerter Brothers including future Governor Norman H. He was stoutly challenged to support his family much of this time but succeeded in providing for his brood by working hard at different jobs: clerking, sales, newspaper routes. A sterling 20 year career as Insurance Agent at Prudential best rewarded his interpersonal skills for relating, communicating, and acquiring other people’s trust and friendship. He was always a likable, outgoing man who loved to share, even with strangers, a funny story or clever saying which usually left both chuckling and their days brightened.

Although known as something of a tightwad (the Depression -waste not want not!) he was in fact a generous man, concerned for and moved to aid those in need. Many a friend, family member or business client benefited from his acts of kindness and were grateful for him.

His sound financial sense - a penny saved, a penny earned - allowed a long retirement and 28 snowbird winters spent in St. George and Hurricane at Settlers and Zion’s Gate RV parks and a slew of new bonds formed, where many billiards games were played and tournaments won. Three dollar jackpots pocketed. Inevitably, even with friend’s and Elna’s assistance, the infirmities of age ended that chapter, so his final four years were lived at his West Valley home where his family’s assisting played an increasing role in securing his comfort and sustenance until hospice care was also required to ensure his welfare as his mind and body faltered. Here a heartfelt thanks to those home hospice care nurses and aides Stefanie, Annette, Hector and Wes, to his night angels of Tui’s Harmony Team: Tui, Cilia, Lini and Mote who always greeted him warmly and attended him with kindness.

Ross is survived by his wife Elna, sons David (Sherri), Dennis (Connie),

daughters Cheryl (Patrick Kruger), Lynnette DeLuyck, Holly (Fred Marquardson) and Susan (Mike Windley). Preceded in death by son Brian (Sandy).

Survived by eleven grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. All who loved him and felt his love for them.

Ross Whittaker’s funeral service will be held on Saturday the 16th of October at the LDS Constitution Ward Chapel, which he helped build, located at 2840 W. 3835 S. West Valley City at 1 pm. Prior to the service, respects may be paid from 11:00 at the same location. Interment post service at Valley View Memorial Park 4400 W 4100 S, WVC.

“The Lord Bless You and Keep You” AMEN