Alice Wilma Whitaker Obituary (2025)

Alice W. Whitaker, age 93, loving wife, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Alice was born January 22, 1932, to Arthur Kean and Ruby (Levy) Kean. She grew up in Carson City, Nevada and was the youngest of three daughters. She was a graduate of Carson City High School in 1949 and the San Jose State University with a degree in Elementary Education in 1954. That same year Alice was united in marriage to Ronald Whitaker in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. She taught school briefly in Cupertino, California, and shortly thereafter, in 1956, Ron and Alice moved to Yakima, Washington, where they became members of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church and settled for the remainder of their lives. Alice taught second grade for several years at Roosevelt Elementary school before she set aside her teaching career and became very active in many community and philanthropic organizations. Alice was an active member of St Timothy's Episcopal Church and held several leadership positions throughout the years. The organization that was perhaps most dear to Alice's heart was her association with P.E.O. She was a member for over 70 years. Alice was always active and loved to play tennis and hike with The Cascadians. She and Ron spent many summers boating with dear friends in the San Juan's then enjoying winters in Borrego Springs, CA where they had a lovely home and a lively community of friends. When she wasn't outside, Alice was inside hosting bridge games with her friends. Alice was married to Ron for 48 years prior to his death in 2002. She is survived by her daughters Wendy Schmidt of Yakima, Sari O'Malley (Gary) of Stanley, Idaho, and Heidi Klansnic (Paul) of Bellevue. She was also blessed with six wonderful grandchildren: Brandon (Kim) O'Malley, Scott (Ashlee) O'Malley, Allyson (Michael) Uhlman, Aaron (Haley) Schmidt, Chad Klansnic, and Cody Klansnic. She also was deeply proud of her thirteen great-grandchildren. Alice was proceeded in death by her husband Ronald, her parents, Arthur and Ruby Kean, her sisters, Marjory Kean and Marilyn Robertson, and her son-in-law Ronald Schmidt. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the care partners at Highgate Senior Living. Katie Fleck and her team of caregivers took such special care of Alice with dignity and grace. A Celebration of Alice's life will be held later this year when the family is available to gather. Memorial contributions can be made to the Union Gospel Mission or the charity of choice in the name of Alice Whitaker, mail C/O: Brookside Funeral Home, PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at: www.brooksidefuneral.com