Mary Alice Whittaker, 88, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at The Forum at the Crossing senior living facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.  The family would like to thank The Forum staff for the EXCELLENT loving care they provided for Mary Alice during her final years!

Mary Alice was born April 29, 1932, in Osceola, Indiana (Elkhart County) as the youngest child of the late Charles and Sarah Shaum.  The family later moved to Hesston, Kansas where her father had various jobs, and all family members were actively involved in the local Mennonite church.  Following high school graduation, Mary Alice attended Hesston Bible College, getting a degree in nursing in 1955.  Her extracurricular activities included participation in an acapella group that traveled around the United States. Her final coursework and nursing clinical experiences in college were completed at La Junta Medical Center (which had a partnership with Hesston College).  Mary Alice accepted her first paid job at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Rocky Ford.  Future husband Wayne Whittaker happened to visit a sick friend in the facility, noticed beautiful young Mary Alice and the couple began dating, married on May 11, 1957.  Mary Alice later raised three children and she changed her work from hospital (full-time) to doctor's office nursing for Elmer L. Morgan (part-time) to get more consistent scheduling for parenting and home life.  Wayne and Mary Alice were active in numerous community activities, including Rocky Ford First United Methodist Church.  Mary Alice attended church every week, also participated in church outreach with United Methodist Women, coordinating Harvest Holiday meals for the community.  Mary Alice loved music!  She sang as an alto in the church choir and directed the choir for several years. She led the community "Golden Tones" group and also participated in various "Messiah" performances around the Arkansas Valley.  Mary Alice was an excellent cook. Her family members  and local community members thoroughly enjoyed her holiday decorated tea ring pastries and her amazing oatmeal cookies!

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Sarah Shaum, stepmother Hilda Shaum, older brother Earl Shaum and her husband, Wayne Whittaker.  Mary Alice is survived by sister Ada Shaum of Indianapolis, IN; sister Esther Shaum of Richmond, IN; son Gary (Donna) Whittaker of Bremerton, WA; son Tom (Ann) Whittaker of Indianapolis, IN; daughter Mary Shannon of Las Vegas, NV; grandson Matthew Whittaker of New York, NY; grandson Zachary Whittaker  of Indianapolis, IN; grandson Daniel Whittaker of Indianapolis, IN; grandson Travis Whittaker of Bremerton, WA; grandson Blake Shannon of Las Vegas, NV.

Memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church prayer garden at 2:00 PM on October 10, 2020 with pastor Marty Lee officiating.  Donations to the church are requested in lieu of flowers.  The Whittaker family requires all attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing at the service to protect your friends and neighbors.  Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.