Lorita S. Whitley

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of Lorita Stidham Whitley at the age of 86 years old. Lorita passed away peacefully in her home in Clearwater Florida on May 9th, 2025. She grew up on Caney Ridge in Dickenson County, Virginia. Rita was born on June 16th, 1938 to Luther and Delcie Mae Stidham.

Rita retired from Largo Central Elementary as their beloved Lead Cook. She spent time as a caregiver to many always putting others first. Rita and her husband, Rusty spent many years traveling the country camping in their one of a kind bus conversion “Ruffin’ it”. She poured her heart into her family always hosting, cooking and smiling.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Rusty” Whitley, daughter, Brenda Sue Cormier, son, Gary Richard Owens, great grandson, Blaze Jayland Austin, and brothers, Allen Stidham, Doug Stidham, Edgar Stidham, Dayton Stidham, Harold Stidham, Garland Stidham and sister Velma L. Morrell.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her daughter, Debbie Cook and husband Keith, her grandchildren, Jason Austin and wife Jen, Cortney Carmichael, Jeremy Cook and wife Beth, Dusty Cormier and wife Cindy and Heather Itnyre. Her great grandchildren, Taylor Austin, Elexis Carmichael, Mya Itnyre, Jasmyn Cook, Zoe Itnyre, Xander Itnyre, Kierra Austin, Liberty Austin, Curtis Cook and Dustin Cormier Jr. Brothers, David Stidham and wife Katy, Daril Stidham and many great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on May 18th at 11:00 am for Rita at Serenity Gardens Funeral Home 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774 in the Gathering Hall. Followed by the funeral service.