Winona M. Whitney

Winona M. Whitney, 95, of Kearney, died Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Mother Hull Home. Funeral services will be at 10 am Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney. The Rev. Alan Davis will officiate. Interment will be in the Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or to the family for later designation. Winona Maria Whitney was born on June 25, 1921 in Kearney to William N. and Evelyn (Hyatt) Peterson. She grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School in 1939. On June 8, 1942 she was united in marriage to Harmon Whitney in Kansas. The couple made their home in Kearney where she continued to live until her death. Winona worked as a secretary for First United Methodist Church for 29 years. After retirement she continued to work for the church in various capacities for over 50 years. Her children will always cherish their memories of the church youth group trips they were able to make with Winona. In 2008 Winona received the Kearney Freedom Award for Religion. She also sold advertising for the Kearney Hub and worked at the Kearney Air Base during WWII. Mr. Whitney preceded her in death in May of 1986. Mrs. Whitney was a dedicated and active member of the First United Methodist Church and was a member of the church choir. She was also a member of the Sweet Adelines, a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital and a member of the Extension Club for over 50 years. She enjoyed collecting stuffed bears and was affectionately known as “Care Bear” by many friends and family. Winona also loved her pets, especially her Yorkie, “Minnie”. Throughout her life faith and family continued to be the most important aspects of Winona’s life. Winona is survived by her children; Kathy Jensen and husband Terry of North Loup, Diana Clausen of Kearney, Scott Whitney and wife Sharon of Kearney and Pat Whitney and wife Valerie of Fremont; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; a brother Bob Peterson of Kearney; a sister, Ramona Dobberstein of Kearney; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gale and Ollie Dady of Kearney; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harmon; twin infant daughters, Judy and Jacque; two brothers, William and Donald Peterson; and a sister, Rosalie Hollmann.

Winona M. Whitney

June 25, 1921 - July 28, 2016