Emma Whitaker Obituary

Emma "Rusty" Whitaker (nee McClain), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister. and friend, passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 13th, 2025 at the age of 97. She is survived by her daughter, Katie Stratis; her daughter-in-law, Pamela Milam; her sons-in-law, Tedd Stratis and Michael Milam; her grandchildren, Jennifer Whitaker, Amanda Whitaker, and Alex Stratis (and wife, Rebecca Lay), and her great-grandchildren, William Whitaker and Penelope "Pepper" Lay-Stratis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Whitaker, and her son, Bill Whitaker.
Born July 26th, 1927, Rusty was an amazing person, known for her kindness, generosity, loving nature, and mischievous spirit. Growing up on a farm near Marietta, Indiana, Rusty had a quiet country childhood, surrounded by the love of her three siblings, Bill, Francis, and Mary Lou, and her parents, Katie and Lora. Striking out on her own in her late teens, Rusty moved to Indianapolis and became a telephone operator, working for Bell Telephone and AT&T for 34 years. She married the love of her life, Lyle Whitaker, in 1949. They spent a wonderful 66 years together before Lyle's passing in 2015. Rusty enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, and playing games, especially dominoes. She loved a good joke, conversations filled with stories, spicy food, and the occasional margarita! She was loved by many and will be remembered as a great lady, a greater friend, and the greatest mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
A private family viewing will be held at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory-Greenwood Chapel on Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 10:30. Rusty will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery immediately after the service.
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