Lillian Whipple

Callaway, NE – Lillian Whipple, age 88 of Callaway, passed away on Sunday February 8, 2015 at the Callaway Good Life Center. Funeral services will be held Friday February 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Morning Star Methodist Church near Callaway, NE with Ken Pitkin officiating. Burial will be in the Stop Table Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Morning Star Church, Stop Table Cemetery or the Callaway Good Life Center. Visitation will be held on Friday morning 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Lillian Leona (Leonard) Whipple was born on November 24, 1926 on the Stuckey Ranch northeast of Callaway to Loren Thedro and Glady Milissa (Smith) Leonard. She attended school at Triumph rural school. On November 13, 1944 she was united in marriage to Irvin Lee Whipple. They made their home in the Morning Star Community. To this union five children were born; Melvin Lee, Linda Kay, Gloria Jean, Reita Louise, and Patricia Joan. On November 13, 2014 they celebrated 70 years of marriage. Mrs. Whipple was a 70 member of the Morning Star Methodist Church. Lillian was always busy doing things for others. She was a devoted wife and mother. She helped on the farm, had a garden, canned the produce, cleaned the Morning Star Church and taught 4-H. Lillian was a bible school teacher and youth group leader for many years, helping many to believe and learn about the Lord. Lillian loved to cook for family and friends. She had a way of making you feel welcome and see a smile that would warm your heart. Lillian was always sending birthday and anniversary cards to people. Lillian enjoyed crocheting and sewing. Through the years she made many wonderful quilts and afghans. Lillian is survived by her husband Irvin of Callaway, her children; Melvin (Karen) Whipple of Windsor, CO, Linda (Paul) Dietz of Lincoln, Gloria (Larry) Lehmkuhler of Callaway, Reita (Charley) Lloyd of Callaway, and Patricia (Ken) Phifer of North Platte, 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She is also survived by her brothers Dan (Glenda) Leonard of Illinois, Jim (Donna) Leonard of Holdrege, and a sister-in-law Verna Leonard of York, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Paul, granddaughter Tami, and a grandson Jamie.