Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Whitten

Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Whitten, 73, of Elwood, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014. Kathy was born on June 4, 1941 in Honey Grove, TX to Chester Thurman and Willie Tommy (Merrill) Hopkins. She was raised and received her education in Amarillo, TX, graduating from Tascosa High School in 1959. She was a member of the Tascosa High School band. On November 21, 1959 she was united in marriage to Eulen C. Whitten in Amarillo, TX; this union was blessed with three children; Chuck, Toni, and Eden. They made their home in Amarillo, TX but soon relocating to Nebraska in 1964. Kathy attended Kearney State College for two years, and was then hired in 1969 by Elwood Public Schools. She continued taking classes and received her BA in 1972. During her 36 years of teaching, she taught in both the 5th and 6th grades. Kathy retired from teaching in 2005. She was a 16 year member of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority, where she served as the local chapter president; as a NE State officer from 2006-2008; and had served on numerous local committees. She was also an ESU #11 board member for over 30 years. She was an avid reader and adored her dogs. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her grandchildren and attend their many events. Kathy enjoyed using modern technology in order to follow and communicate with her friends and family. Survivors include her husband, Eulen Whitten of Elwood; sons, Chuck (Dawn) Whitten of Smithfield and Eden (Cyndi) Whitten of Omaha; daughter, Toni (Alan) Rieker of Eustis; brother, C. Thomas Hopkins of Amarillo, TX; grandchildren, Jessica Whitten, Wade Whitten, Ashton (Charlie) Rudeen, Tyler Whitten, Weston (Kari) Whitten, Jordan (Jay) Johnson, Meryl Whitten, Braden Rieker, Preston Rieker, Erika Hepburn and Trent Hepburn; great-grandchildren, Chandler Rudeen, Winston Whitten, and Reeslyn Johnson; along with a host of extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Turner Hopkins and Merrill Hopkins. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 13, 2014, at the United Methodist Church in Eustis, NE. To honor Kathy’s wishes cremation has taken place. Rev. Neil Kloppenborg will officiate. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. All Faiths Funeral Home of Grand Island is entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be suggested to Elwood Public School to be used as a scholarship fund in Kathy’s name.

Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Whitten

June 4, 1941 - June 6, 2014

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Mary Kathleen "Kathy" Whitten

June 4, 1941 - June 6, 2014

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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