Obituary for Earla Whitney

Earla Elaine (Littlefield) Whitney, 82, of Westerville, passed away September 27, 2023, with her family by her side.

 

She was born to the late Margaret (Peg) and Harold Littlefield on April 19, 1941, in Bradford, PA. Her childhood memories in Bradford were very dear to her. She would often reminisce about her uncle’s corner store, sledding with her older brothers, and running through the fields behind her house. She spent additional years of her youth in Canton and Kent, Ohio, and graduated from Kent State University High School.

 

Earla was married to the love of her life, Fred Whitney, in April 1967 and again with a renewal of their vows in 2022. Their love story is one most people long for and never obtain. From living apart while Fred was in Vietnam and keeping their love alive through letters, to traveling all over, to raising four children, they built an amazing life together. The family moved to Mineral Wells, TX, then to Brimfield, OH, and finally built a home in Stow, OH where they lived for many years. Stow was always a home to Earla. The years spent there were some of the best of her life; she raised her children, cheered her boys on in pee-wee football and little league baseball, led Girl Scouts, and spent time as a cheer and dance mom, all while volunteering with the Stow Jaycees and spending time with friends in craft circles and game nights. Earla and Fred moved a few more times over the years, spending time in Hartville, OH, Ada, MI, and Stoney Creek, NC, before making Westerville, OH their final home together. Earla also spent time in her later years volunteering for Hospice, taking college courses, and being the best wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma anyone could have asked for. Earla is survived by her husband and best friend, Fred, and by her four children: Angela Adams (Keith), Jason Whitney, David Whitney (Melissa), and Carla Cryder (Todd). She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Alayna (Adam), Geena (Eric), Jacob, Tyler, Jasmine, Joshua (Morgan), Jack, Jax, Julia, Rex, and Weston, and two great-grandchildren, Scarlet Elaine and Carlee Mae.

 

Words can never express how grateful we are for the time we all spent with her on Earth or how much we will miss her smile, her hugs, and hearing her voice on the other end of the phone when we just needed a lifeline. Earla was so many things to so many people: a best friend, a voice of reason, a morale booster, a quick laugh, a confidante, a storyteller… the list goes on and on. Her legacy will live on through her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To know her, even briefly, was to know the best that God had to offer.

 

Viewing ceremony will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Hill Funeral Home in Westerville, Ohio from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, followed by a service.  A brief service will be held on October 3, 2023 at 12:00 pm in the chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery in Twinsburg, OH.

 

If you would like to make a donation in Earla’s name, the family would appreciate any gifts to go to OSUCCC - the James Cancer Center (www.osu.edu/giving) or you may send a check to OSU/The James, PO Box 71081, Columbus, OH 43271.  Please put fund #317375 for Earla Whitney in the memo line.