Kelli Whitaker
December 4th, 1967 - August 4th, 2024
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Kelli's Obituary
On August 4th, under the morning sun, Kelli Lynn Whitaker passed away at home in her happy place — her garden.
Kelli wore many hats for many people but most notably she was the best sister, a devoted wife, and a loving daughter. She was everything. Anyone who crossed her path instantly fell in love, she made you feel like family. Life with her around just made life better. Kelli never let anything bring her down, through all her adversities and medical challenges, she remained a bright light.
If she wasn’t in her yard (or anyone else’s), she was known to be working on a puzzle or a scratch-off. If you asked her, she thought she was the funniest person in the room.
Kelli always had fun and made the most of her time anywhere she went. Whether in the Dominican with Jay, in a cabin with the Leiter Ladies, or at her best friend Amy’s house — you would find her ready with a smile, quick to a joke, and sipping on a Coors Light.
Kelli is survived by her wonderful husband, Jay Whitaker, and the light of her life (her dog) Murphy of Benton Harbor. She is also survived by her parents, John and Cyndee House; sisters, Tracie (Donny Espick) House and Wanda (Tim) Schnapp, and niece, Ember House; all of Buchanan. Her mother-in-law, Marilyn Whitaker, and in-laws Debra (Dennis) Crumb, Marshall (Denise) Whitaker, and nieces and nephews: Morgan (Mike) Wells, Alexandra (Will) Crumb, Dennis Crumb Jr., Chase Whitaker, and Shelby (Emily) Adams. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces/nephews, and her partners in crime and chaos, Amy (Mark) Allenspach and Bobbi Post.
Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, August 8 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085, 269-556-9450. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 9 at the funeral home with an additional hour of visitation starting at 10:00 am.
Kelli will be sorely missed by all those who loved her. In light of her passing, we ask that any donations be made to American Cancer Society in her honor, a cause dear to her heart. Casual attire is preferred for the services.
Kelli wore many hats for many people but most notably she was the best sister, a devoted wife, and a loving daughter. She was everything. Anyone who crossed her path instantly fell in love, she made you feel like family. Life with her around just made life better. Kelli never let anything bring her down, through all her adversities and medical challenges, she remained a bright light.
If she wasn’t in her yard (or anyone else’s), she was known to be working on a puzzle or a scratch-off. If you asked her, she thought she was the funniest person in the room.
Kelli always had fun and made the most of her time anywhere she went. Whether in the Dominican with Jay, in a cabin with the Leiter Ladies, or at her best friend Amy’s house — you would find her ready with a smile, quick to a joke, and sipping on a Coors Light.
Kelli is survived by her wonderful husband, Jay Whitaker, and the light of her life (her dog) Murphy of Benton Harbor. She is also survived by her parents, John and Cyndee House; sisters, Tracie (Donny Espick) House and Wanda (Tim) Schnapp, and niece, Ember House; all of Buchanan. Her mother-in-law, Marilyn Whitaker, and in-laws Debra (Dennis) Crumb, Marshall (Denise) Whitaker, and nieces and nephews: Morgan (Mike) Wells, Alexandra (Will) Crumb, Dennis Crumb Jr., Chase Whitaker, and Shelby (Emily) Adams. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces/nephews, and her partners in crime and chaos, Amy (Mark) Allenspach and Bobbi Post.
Visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, August 8 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085, 269-556-9450. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 9 at the funeral home with an additional hour of visitation starting at 10:00 am.
Kelli will be sorely missed by all those who loved her. In light of her passing, we ask that any donations be made to American Cancer Society in her honor, a cause dear to her heart. Casual attire is preferred for the services.
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