Mary Rae Whiting

Rae was born in Vancouver, Washington to Leonard and Mary (Reynolds) Wonsyld on December 17, 1946. When she was a few years old, Rae’s parents moved to Dee, Oregon in the Hood River Valley, so for her it was always and forever “home”. Growing up in the small community of Dee, Rae attended the local elementary school and graduated from Wy’east High School in 1965.

After graduation, Rae took a job for a short time, at Parkdale Upper Elementary School as the secretary, before moving to Portland where she was introduced to the love of her life on a blind date. Rae and Gary Whiting were married a short time later, on August 10, 1970 in a small ceremony at the Methodist Church before going straight to the airport for his return to Navy service in Vietnam. During Gary’s deployment, Rae returned to her parent’s home in Dee until reuniting with Gary six months later in San Diego where they continued to live while he completed his service before eventually returning to Beaverton Oregon, where they made their home and life together.

In 1977, Rae and Gary welcomed their son, Jeff. Rae put her whole heart into raising her son Jeff and supporting Gary in his career as a residential real estate managing broker. When Jeff and his wife Emily had their son Grayson in 2014 and daughter Elizabeth (Libby) in 2016, Rae’s life was brightened with the joy of helping care for her grandchildren and her roll as Granny. In addition to her devotion to her husband, son and grandchildren, Rae was passionate about her family and never hesitating to rush to support any one of them in need. Rae loved traveling with Gary and friends, spending time in her yard, cultivating houseplants and Tim McGraw.

Rae is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Mary (Reynolds) Wonsyld.

Rae is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Gary Whiting, son and daughter in law Jeff & Emily Whiting, grandchildren Grayson and Libby Whiting, sisters Kary (Dan) Betz and Bev (Frank) Garner, Nieces and nephews Rachell Lindley, Angela Holcomb, Jonny Betz, Seth Garner and many great nieces and nephews who loved more than anything a hug from Auntie Rae that lingered long after from her perfume.

She was a bright light in the life of all she loved and who loved her fiercely in return. Though our hearts ache at her loss, we also find joy in the memories of her smile, her kind heart and her unwavering love of her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society to help in their fight to eliminate cancer.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 29th at 12:30pm at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary.

The family of Rae Whiting wishes to extend our gratitude to her care team at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Whiting family.