Lena Marie Whitaker

January 17, 1929 – January 3, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lena Marie Whitaker, 95, of Woodsfield, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the home of her son, Henry Whitaker, in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Born on January 17, 1929, in Oakridge County, Indiana, Lena was the cherished daughter of Patricia and Michael Carter. She built a life defined by faith, love, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

As a caregiver, Lena spent her working years bringing comfort and kindness to others. Caring for people came naturally to her, and she approached her work much the same way she approached her life—with patience, compassion, and a willingness to put the needs of others before her own.

Lena was also a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Riverton, Indiana, where her faith remained an important source of strength throughout her life.

Those who knew Lena will remember her gentle but determined spirit. She was independent, wise, compassionate, and never afraid to face life with courage. She carried a sense of adventure with her and had a radiant smile capable of brightening even difficult days.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Whitaker; her beloved daughter, Emma Whitaker; and her brothers, Robert and William Carter. While their absence brought tremendous loss throughout her lifetime, her family finds comfort in imagining them together again.

She is survived by her loving sons, Caleb Whitaker of Lakeview, Pennsylvania; Edward Whitaker of Northern Pennsylvania; and Henry Whitaker of Riverton, Indiana.

Lena was also a proud and deeply loved grandmother and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were an important part of her life, and the love, stories, traditions, and memories she shared with them will continue long after her passing. She also leaves behind treasured friends and extended family members who will forever hold her memory close.

In the later years of her life, Lena faced dementia with grace and dignity, surrounded and supported by the family she had spent so much of her life loving and caring for.

In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to the Midwest Council for Cognitive Health to support individuals and families facing the challenges of dementia and cognitive decline.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lena’s life during visitation on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Whitaker & Sons Funeral Home in Riverton, Indiana.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Whitaker & Sons Funeral Home, with burial to follow.

Lena’s life was a reflection of resilience, generosity, faith, and joy. She was a guiding light for her family, a dedicated worker, and a constant source of love and encouragement to those fortunate enough to know her.

Although she is no longer here, the life Lena built continues through the people she loved. Her strength lives in the family she raised, her kindness in the people she cared for, her faith in the values she passed down, and her memory in the stories that will continue to be told for generations.

She will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.