Eugene Emerson Whitney

Eugene Emerson Whitney, 74, of White Swan, passed away at Toppenish Community Hospital on Saturday, April 25, 2015. Eugene was born in Elbowoods, North Dakota to Winnie (Eagle) and Clay Whitney Sr. on May 29th, 1940. Eugene was a proud member of the Arikara Nation but was raised on the Yakama Reservation and in the lower valley.

As an adult, Eugene lived in Seattle for the last forty years and worked as a general laborer and as a mechanic. His favorite activities where to attend pow-pows, go to sweat lodges, and to spend time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Whitney; his daughters, MaryJo “Bambie” Whitney and Antoinette Compo; his brother, Virgil Eagle; his sister, Belva Hoptowit; and his grandchildren, Skylar Eaglespeaker, Cicily Anderson, Victoria Whitney, Kaylee Whitney, Sheila Whitney, Aerial Whitney, Trisha James, Douglas James III, Mandy James, Genelle James, Priscilla Marquez, and Ronnie Riggs; and his 11 great-grandchildren.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents Winnie (Eagle) and Clay Whitney Sr.; his brothers, Fred Smith, Vernon Whitney, Evan Whitney, Clay Whitney Jr.; sisters, Lorraine Savala, Martha Garza, Una Whitney, Lois Whitney, and Amelia Gonzalez; and his son, Simeon Whitney.

Visitation will be today, Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 2-6 p.m. at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. The Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, April 29th 2015 at 10 a.m. at All Tribes Christian Church located on Progressive Road in Wapato with burial following at Elmwood Cemetery at 12 noon in Toppenish. Merritt is entrusted with the arrangements.