Ruby Mae Whitaker was born April 29, 1937 in Selmer, TN the daughter and 11th child of the late Elmer Dee and Olga Louvestie Sweat Kiser.
She was united in marriage to William Ralph Whitaker on October 24, 1954. Mr. Whitaker preceded her in death on October 13, 2005.
Mrs. Whitaker was a wonderful wife and mother. In the words of her children, “She was the epitome of what God wanted in a mother for us. Always giving and never asking for anything in return, she took care of us regardless of the circumstances.” She was the Mom, who never missed a baseball, basketball or football game and could make her boys look bad playing basketball.
She was the Mamaw who would pull up a baby on her chest and magically they were asleep as she rocked and sang them a lullaby.
Mrs. Whitaker was the best cook – famous for her cinnamon rolls, peanut butter cookies, and pear preserves. She smiled when anyone called and wanted one of her recipes and loved it even more when someone requested them. She enjoyed canning, gardening and cooking for her large family.
She was a caregiver – the lady who took everyone in as one of her own and made sure they felt at home. Over the years, she has cared for countless people and did it all with a contagious enthusiasm and love. She was a member of Sulphur Springs United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Whitaker departed this life on March 25, 2023 in Jackson, Tennessee at the age of 85 Years, 10 Months, 25 Days. She is survived by six sons, Eugene Whitaker of Selmer, TN, Charlie Whitaker and wife Darlene of Selmer, TN, Robert (Bo) Whitaker and wife Donna of Murfreesboro, TN, Duke Whitaker and wife Susan of Selmer, TN, Ricky Whitaker and wife Missy of Selmer, TN, Larry Whitaker of Selmer, TN;
eleven grandchildren, Gina Owens and husband Aaron, Jessie Holzheuser, Heather Ellsworth and husband Donnie, Pepper Keaton and husband Josh, Jenny Weatherford and husband Brooks, Walt Whitaker, Adam Bruner, Vanessa Riggen and husband Jeremiah, Steven Whitaker and wife Ann Marie, Sophie Mitchell and husband Reed, Maggie Whitaker; 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Whitaker was preceded in death by a son, Don Whitaker; two grandchildren, Mike Holzheuser and Macy Whitaker; six sisters, Lockie Williams, Vestie Dancer, Flaye Moore, Laverne Knight, Vallie Rhea Helton, Maylene Nold; six brothers, R.A., L.D., Raymond, Alford, Wilford, and Dennie Kiser.
Throughout the years, she wore many hats – wife, mother, mother-in-law, mamaw, cafeteria worker, school bus driver and caregiver. Most importantly, she was a servant of God. She loved and served unconditionally never expecting anything in return. – Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
