Thelma “Lorene” Whitmer, 90, of Owensboro, passed away Thursday, November 15, 2018 under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Guy Henry and Grace Dexter Stephens Taylor.
Mrs. Whitmer grew up in Pulaski County and moved to Daviess County after she married. She attended Lindsey Wilson College and completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education at Western Kentucky University. Her forty-year teaching career began at a one room school house in Pulaski County and included many years at Snyder and Masonville Elementary Schools. She was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, PBS TV, bluegrass and gospel music, and spending time with family. She was also an active member of Masonville United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert J. “Bob” Whitmer in 2010; a daughter, Rev. Deborah S. Whitmer in 2002; a sister, Mina Fike; and brothers, Harold and Marlon Taylor.
Mrs. Whitmer is survived by two daughters, Nancy Whitmer of Owensboro and Shelley Bailey and her husband, Tom of Barkhamsted, CT; two grandchildren, Evan Bailey and Erick Bailey, both of Barkhamsted, CT; and extended family and friends.
The family would like to offer a special, heartfelt thanks to staff at the Heartford House, Home Instead Senior Care, Hermitage Healthcare and Rehab Center, and special family friend, Mary Reed.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, November 19th at Christ Chapel in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Rev. Billy Compton will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
Memorial contributions may be made to Masonville United Methodist Church, 2810 Old Masonville Loop, Utica, KY 42376 or Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.