Helen B. Whitney

She was born October 3, 1916 in Springfield, the daughter of Andrew J. and Kate Newlin Barnes. On Feb. 7, 1942 she married Frank H. Whitney at her parents house in Springfield.

Mrs. Whitney graduated from Springfield High School. She then went on to Illinois Wesleyan University where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Mrs. Whitney was an English Teacher with Springfield Public Schools for many years.

She was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church and a former member of First United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Chapter FU of the P.E.O. and Springfield Art Association. Mrs. Whitney was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. Whitney is survived by her five children, Kate (Dennis) Wilson of Springfield, Loretta (Jack) Trumbull of New Hartford, CT, Ruth (Stanley) White of Springfield, Frank R. (Susan) Whitney of Jacksonville, and Barbara (Rodney) Cencich of Montrose, CO; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1983; twin sister, Ruth Cluver; sister, June Gordon; and brother, Ben Barnes.

Visitation will be Monday, May 21, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. All service will be held at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel. Rev. Jerry King will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Committee on Relief c/o Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave West, Springfield, IL 62704 or WUIS Public Radio, University of Illinois Springfield, One University Plaza, MS WUIS 130 Springfield IL 62703-5407.