Susan “Susie” Maxine (Ireland) Whitaker, 67, of Perry, KS, peacefully passed away on January 4, 2023.
Susie was born on September 7, 1955 to Billy Eugene and Viola “Maxine” Ireland in Lawrence, KS. She studied Elementary Education at Washburn University and later completed graduate school at Emporia State studying Library Science. She taught 6th grade at Perry Lecompton Schools for 5 years and then was the Library Media Specialist until she retired in 2019.
In 1969, Susie met Raymond “Richard” Whitaker, and they became fast friends who quickly grew to be inseparable. After they wed on September 29, 1973, they moved to Yuma, AZ where Richard was stationed with the United States Marine Corps. They traveled and lived in many states during the first 22 years of their marriage. When Richard retired from the USMC they decided to move their family one more time and retire in the state they grew up in.
Susie dedicated her life to being a loving wife and mother. She excelled at propping up her family, friends, and students and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was helping them to find a love of reading or through something heartbreaking, Susie made it her mission to improve the lives of others.
After retiring from teaching, Susie became passionate about crafting. She loved making jewelry, wreaths, kitchen towel, and quilts. She loved to make things that her family and friends loved and could use in their homes.
Susie was predeceased by her parents, Billy and Maxine Ireland, her grandparents, aunts and uncles, she is survived by her husband, Richard, her daughters, Kimberly, [Matthew], Debra, [Drew], and Rachel; her son, Raymond; granddaughters, Susan, Paulette, Shaunna, and Lillian; grandsons, David, Carter, Henry, Jaxon; great granddaughter Chrissy Sue; her sister, Sandy; 2 aunts, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. There will be a visitation from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Sunday, January 8 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with funeral at 10am Monday, January 9. A small graveside service will also be held following the morning service.
Oh I am numb. I just learned of this tonight, Saturday, March 11th with tears in my eyes and a breaking heart, I have such fond memories of Susie at Cherry Point MCAS! We had some fun times! I would really love to hear from Richard if he reads this. All my love, Gail (maiden) Esch (formerly Kelleher)
I’m so glade that Susie chose to reconnect with me in utah she was a special friend in Jr high. She has such a kind soul my thoughts and prayers for Richard and the family
Susie touched the lives of so many and will be forever missed! She spread kindness and love with a beautiful smile. I am blessed to call her a friend! Hugs to you all!
I was in Mrs. Whittaker’s sixth grade class and she was the best teacher. Then I got to have her as a librarian in high school. She is one of the people that inspired my love of reading. She was the kindest and sweetest person. sending her family prayers.
Susie was a splash of sunshine in this life. I can imagine that facing tomorrow without her will feel impossible but I’ve known her all my life and I know she wants the best for her family and friends and will send you quiet reminders of her love forever. She was a wonderful friend to all who new her and was always ready to do something to make your day better. She will be dearly missed and her love will remain with us always.
I always enjoyed talking with Susie when she worked the gate at the basketball games and then in later years at all the craft shows… I too am glad I have one of her bracelets. I will think of her every time I wear it! My oldest daughter loves to read and thought the world of Susie! Best librarian ever!
To The Whitaker Family,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies.
We stand ready to serve, and support you, in any way that is needed.
We share in your grief. It was a true honor to have met Susie, to have known her, and to have her as part of our family.
We will treasure her memory always.
We Send Our Love and Prayers,
Alpha Battery Marines
Susie had the most kind and gentle Soul. She had a Heart of Gold and I am so proud that she was my Cousin. May God Bless You Richard and Family and give you some Solice.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, may God be your strength in your hour of need. I will certainly remember you all in my prayers.
Your kind words and great personality will always be remembered by me. You were a very special person and will leave many cherished memories in the lucky who knew you. When you set out to accomplish a hobby or task you were all in. Love you my friend.
Richard and Family: Having grieved, I know right now your hearts are so full of hurt and loneliness that there are few words that can help. As time goes on, I hope you can look back on these warm tributes to your beautiful Susie and know how much she meant to co-workers and friends. She was one of the most giving, loving souls on this earth, and it was so evident she loved her family with every ounce of her being. Praying for the peace that surpasses all understanding as you go through the days ahead.
Susie was such a great cousin. She was an angel to all and will be mlssed. Her smile would light up the world. Many prayers and love to Sandy, Richard and her entire family.
Richard and family-Susie was such a wonderful caring soul who cherished her family. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years until she retired. We became quilting friends last year and had many great adventures to quilt shops for fabric. I will miss our conversations and all the great advice you could share when I had a quilting question. She will always hold a special place in my heart!❤️
Susie was a dear and valued friend to us and we will never forget the many ways she made us feel like we were the most important people at PLHS. It might have been a ring she made, or just a smile that made you know she loved you, but Susie was one of a kind and we will always cherish the many talks we had in the PLHS library after school. Susie will be missed by all of us who knew what a kind and beautiful person she was. Rest in peace. Until we meet again.
Susie was a big impact in my life. She taught my daughter in 6th grade and then was a co-worker at PLHS as the librarian. We ate countless lunches together in her office just enjoying each other’s company. I loved seeing her passion for her newfound crafting after she retired! I am so glad I have one of her bracelets! She was a very passionate lover of the armed forces and America which we shared that as a common ground.
Susie, I will miss your beautiful smiling face and sense of humor. My heart, prayers and sympathy goes out to the Whitaker family in her loss of life, but hope they know that she is no longer in pain and in God’s loving arms gives them all some comfort.
Until we meet again Susie, Love you!
Mrs. Whitaker was one of the most genuine, understanding and caring souls I have ever met. She impacted so many of our lives, in various ways. I am so appreciative that I was able to know her and experience her grace and compassion. I will miss you so much! Thoughts and love for the Whitaker family. We will be thinking of you.
Dear Richard and Family,
It was so evident to all who knew Susie how much she loved and adored her family. Her Facebook posts showed her pride and joy in all she did. I can’t imagine your feeling of loss right now. Please know that many are thinking of and praying for you.
Richard and family I’m thinking of you at this time, may you hold onto your memories and let them guide you durig this time of sadness. i will treasure my memories of working with Susie in multiple settings.
Susie was such a wonderful soul. There was no question how much she loved everyone in her family and how she truly loved everyone she met. I was blessed to call her a friend. We will certainly miss her! Thoughts and prayers to all of you!
Richard and Family – you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Susie was a dear friend and colleague. We will all miss her greatly.