Willetta Rose Whitehead

Willetta Rose Whitehead was born on October 17, 1948, in Springfield, Colorado, to Willis and Bessie (Wallace) Randall. As the oldest sibling, Willetta embraced her role as a big sister to Janice and Roger. The Randall family moved to Kansas in 1951 after Willis found employment at Cessna. Willetta attended OK Elementary School, Allison Middle School, and West High School.

Willetta met and married Claude Lee in 1965. Their union was blessed with two children, Michael Eugene Lee and Travis Ray Lee. The family lived in Clearwater and attended the Clearwater Church of Christ. Willetta and Claude divorced in the early 1980s.

In 1984, Willetta met the love of her life, James (Jim) Whitehead. Jim had three children, Christopher James, Rebecca Sue, and Tisha. They united their two families in marriage on September 18, 1986, and shared almost 40 wonderful years together and a lifetime of love.

In the early years of their relationship, their days were filled with camping, fishing, and many other outdoor adventures. Willetta was a talented artist, and Jim supported her every step of the way. Together, they attended craft shows to showcase their combined talents. Ever creative, Willetta had the remarkable ability to transform even the simplest discarded items into treasured keepsakes for her family and friends. She was also an avid gardener, and her whimsical creations can still be seen scattered throughout their lovingly tended yard.

One of Willetta’s greatest joys was creating with her grandchildren. She cherished spending time with them and was often found teaching them how to paint, draw, sew, cook, sculpt, and explore countless other creative pursuits that encouraged them to use their imagination. When she wasn’t immersed in a new craft, she could usually be found tending her garden or quietly admiring the birds.

Willetta was a devoted Christian who faithfully attended church. She was steadfast in her love for Jesus, and through her faith, she welcomed everyone with kindness, making each person feel loved, accepted, and cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jim Whitehead; her son, Christopher Whitehead; and her brother, Roger. We find comfort in knowing that Jim and Willetta did not have to spend an anniversary apart.

Her memory will live on through her sons, Michael Lee (Cynthia) and Travis Lee (Amanda); her daughters, Rebecca Harbert (Juston) and Tisha Whitehead; her grandchildren, Alyssa (Sam), Tanner, Kimberly, Ashton, Nathan, Breanna, and Kaitlin; her sister, Janice Cross; her niece, Stacey Highland (Rob); her great-nephew, Gavyn; and many loving friends and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Council Hill Christian Church, 1268 N. Seneca Rd., Peck, Kansas, on July 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in her memory to either the PBS Foundation or Council Hill Christian Church.