Marlene Whitaker

Marlene Whitaker, 88, of Hamilton, IL, passed away June 28, 2019, with her loving husband by her side.

Marlene was born May 7, 1931 in Elderville, IL, a daughter of Lee and Tillie (McIlmoil) Cameron. Marlene was joined in marriage on June 4, 1950 by Melvin Whitaker.  In 1953 they welcomed their only child, Ronald Whitaker.

Marlene was a graduate of Hamilton High School and went on to work for the Hamilton Cleaners and Duck’s Red Fox.  She later retired from Methode in Carthage, IL after years of working in the tool and die shop.

Marlene was an avid bird watcher and enjoyed gardening and sewing quilts.  She loved to travel with her husband; especially to Branson, MO to watch country shows at the Dixie Stampede.  She also enjoyed visiting riverboat casinos, which became an anniversary tradition between her and Melvin over their 69 years of marriage.

Marlene, more than anything, enjoyed spending time with her expansive family.  She opened her home for hundreds of family gathering over the years and although she only had one child she became a mother to many.  She always had an open door to anyone who needed it, and passed out hugs and ear tugs to all.  She was an extraordinarily genuine and kind-hearted woman who will be sorely missed by many. 

Marlene is survived by her husband, Melvin Whitaker of Hamilton, IL, son Ronald (Deborah) Whitaker of Warsaw; grandchildren Beau Whitaker of Hamilton, IL, Lance Whitaker of Sutter IL, and Erin (Mark) Hutchison of Hamilton, IL; one great grandson, Dylan Whitaker of Keokuk, IA; siblings Albert (Marilyn) Cameron of Basco, IL, Willa Loring of Hamilton, IL, Clarence Cameron of Carthage, IL, Marge (Stan) Whitaker of Keokuk, IA, Larry (Carol) Cameron of Warsaw, IL, Jerry Whitaker of Warsaw, IL, Kenneth Whitaker of Hamilton, IL, Michael (Pam) Whitaker of Keokuk, IA, Bill (Phyllis) Whitaker of Carthage, IL, Marge Whitaker of Texas, and LulaBelle LaFoon of Kankakee, IL.  She is also survived by an extraordinary amount of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marlene was preceded in death by her grandson Dustin Whitaker, her parents, and four siblings: Lester, Lyle, Bill, and Donny Cameron.

Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton, IL, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Monday, July 1st, 2019.  The funeral will immediately follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home.  The family will hold a luncheon at the Bott Community Center in Warsaw, IL following the services.  A private graveside burial will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to the family for an established memorial.

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