Jean Elizabeth Whittaker

Born in Mantua, Ohio on December 11, 1921 to parents Robert and Zelia (May) Cowles, she lived most of her life in Ravenna. Jean was a member of the First Christian Church in Ravenna, was employed for 15 years for Ed Haylett at Weld Cast in Mantua and retired as the secretary to Miles Friend of Friend Construction in Ravenna. Jean’s favorite things to do were baking cookies, shopping, working crossword puzzles, and playing cards. She loved chocolate, enjoyed a good joke and dressing up for Halloween. Most important to Jean was her family.

Jean is survived by her children: Dewey (Bev) Whittaker, Karla Whittaker, Bonnie Alexander, John Whittaker and Cherie Gray. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Brett Whittaker, Jason Griffith, Chelsea (Matt) Farley, Nathan (Courtney) Gray, Nichole Gray and her husband Tyler Whitlinger. She also leaves 4 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Karl “Red” Whittaker in 1981, her daughter Barbara Ann Whittaker, her brother Robert Cowles and her son-in-law Bill Alexander.

Friends will be received on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna, from 11:00am until the 12:00pm memorial service. Inurnment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared at wood-kortright-borkoski.com.