Willer-Whitmore, Doris H.

Doris H. Willer-Whitmore, 97, of Center Point, died at the Hiawatha Care Center on Oct. 11, 2013. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point. Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the First Christian Church in Center Point, officiated by the Rev. Melanie Van Weelden. Burial will follow the service at Center Point Cemetery.

Doris was born the daughter of Leslie and Elta (Smith) Heefner on July 12, 1916. She graduated from Center Point High School in 1933, then received her two-year teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College. Doris also attended classes at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, in 1960.

She was a member of the Christian Church for over 80 years and served as Elder, Sunday school teacher and president of Christian Womens Fellowship. She also taught school 30 years in La Porte City, Center Point and Marion. She was a member of AAUW, Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and Modern Book Club.

She was preceded in death by both husbands, Paul Willer and James Whitmore; grandson, Paul Ehmsen; and two brothers, Glenn and Wilbur Heefner.

Survivors include son, Kent (Deb) Willer of Marion; daughter, Jolene (Jerry) Huffman of Cave Creek, Ariz.; daughter, Janene Willer of Pocatello, Idaho; grandchildren, Heather (Steve) Rittgers, Ryan (Jenny) Huffman and Allyson (Tom) Kendrick; and eight great-grandchildren, Haleigh and Keighley Ehmsen, Hadley and Halle Rittgers, Emmy, Annie and Liam Huffman and Samuel Kendrick.

Doris' strength was in her faith, family and friendships. Her positive attitude, outlook on life, and spirit was the signature of her strength. Mom was the heart of our family and meant the world to us. Our loved ones only die when we stop loving them ... Mom, you will live forever.

Memorial donations may be directed to First Christian Church in Center Point and Hiawatha Care Center.

The family of Doris Whitmore wishes to express their gratitude for all the acts of kindness given to Mom and the family.

Please sign the online guest book for Doris at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Oct. 13, 2013 in The Gazette