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.
