Matas D. "Mae" Whitman

WHITMAN, MATAS D. “MAE”
(nee RITCHIE)

Matas D. Whitman, of Appleton, age 89 years, died on Thursday, January 4, 2007 after a brief illness. She was born October 2, 1917 in Bear Creek, the daughter of the late Harley and Carrie (Christensen) Ritchie. Matas married Rollie A. Whitman on February 8, 1945 and they lived in Appleton for many years. She enjoyed listening to country music and sitting in her favorite chair, crocheting her beautiful doilies, while her scanner was in full scan.

She is survived by her sons: Dean (Jackie) Ritchie, Hoffman Estate, Illinois and Robert (Ottilie) Whitman, Manawa; daughters: Jean (Lawrence) Tatum, Blaine, Washington and Patricia “Shay” (Charles) Cooper, Wendell, Massachusetts; daughter-in-law: Kathy Whitman, San Mateo, California; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; sisters: Fern (Tom) Sartor, Appleton and Valeria Besaw, New London; sisters-in-law: Leone, Loretta and Betty Ritchie and many friends, especially Tootie and Rosie. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Rollie on December 22, 1977, son Richard Whitman, brothers: Victor, Woodrow “Red”, Carson, Regis and Nathan Ritchie, brother-in-law Gerald Besaw.

The funeral service for Matas will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 7, 2007 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME with Father Brian Belongia officiating. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call on Sunday at the Funeral Home from 2:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Living Health Community Clinic are appreciated.

The family would like to express their deep, heartfelt appreciation to the two “angels” who came to Grandma’s side since her fall, guiding, praying, encouraging and prodding her to get well in order that she could return to her loving home. God bless you Lennie and Chris. Thank you to the wonderful care and compassion shown to Mae and her family during her short stay at Colony Oaks Care Center. And a special thank you to Katie, her night nurse, and Dr. Barkmeier. As for Mae, she would say, “I don’t know what all the fuss is about!”

Mom, Please do not worry about the damn sump pump, Zell and I will keep our eye on it. Love, Bob

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton, WI 54911
(920)739-1231