Wava Whitaker

Whitaker, Wava Jackson, formerly of Grass Lake Age 85, died Monday, June 27, 2016 at Senior Moments Assisted Living in Jackson. She was born November 17, 1930 in Magoffin County, KY, the daughter of Tony & Elizabeth (Risner) Risner. Wava had lived in the Chelsea area since 1945, coming from KY. She worked at Jiffy Mix (retiring in 1974), and Lloyd Bridges Traveland. Wava attended the Baptist Church in Grass Lake. She earned blue ribbons in the Chelsea Fair for her food and canning. She was an awesome cook. On April 9, 1945, she married Alvin Whitaker in Salyersville, KY, and he preceded her in death in 1990. Survivors include two sons, James A. (Rita) Whitaker of Grass Lake, and Jerry (Patty) Whitaker of Brooklyn, MI; a son-in-law, Jesse Bonnet of Mtn. Home, AR; a brother, Roger Collins; a sister, Carol McDougall; four grandchildren, Christine, Cindie, Barb, & Marci; five great-grandchildren, Evan, Sophia, Cole, Kyle, Casey; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Joan Bonnet; eight sisters, Mornie Brown, Jean van Vliet, Virginia Schiller, Jackie Sanders, Pat McGough, Betty Lillo, Christine Hale; and three brothers, Marvin Collins. Lawrence Risner, & Ed Risner. The family would like to thank Lena and the staff of Senior Moments for their loving care. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 30, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Sylvan Township. The family will receive friends Thursday from 10 am until the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.