Sara Whiteman

Sara (Keister) Whiteman 1908 - 2010 Sara Whiteman, 102, Long Beach resident for 70 years, passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2010. She was born in Lenox Township, Illinois on March 27, 1908. She was the second of four children and only girl born to George A. and Ethel Elliott Keister. Sara moved to Monmouth, Illinois from her parents' farm so she could attend high school. While in Monmouth she met Robert Henry Whiteman of Biggsville, Illinois who was attending Monmouth College. They eloped, marrying on February 12, 1927 settling in Monmouth where they had two children, Barbara Joyce and Connie Lee. Sara worked at the local book store that supplied textbooks for Monmouth College and the public schools. She and Robert were active in many activities in the community where Robert, a banker, was elected to several civic offices and Sara served as Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in 1938. Characteristically, the couple took the bold step of leaving their extensive family and familiar surroundings to move to California for more opportunities and lovely weather. They settled in Long Beach in 1941. Mrs. Whiteman was an active member of Chapter IB, P.E.O., an organization that supports and encourages educational opportunities for women, for over 60 years serving several terms as its president. Sara volunteered countless hours over more than 50 years to the Long Beach Memorial Hospital Children's Auxiliary knitting hundreds of baby sweaters and booties and working in the hospital gift shop. She was a faithful member of the California Heights United Methodist Church. Sara loved parties, socializing, dining out and traveling. She was beautiful and intelligent with a terrific memory and a wry sense of humor. Sara loved bridge and played regularly until she was over 100 years old. She was interested in the world, read the paper every day and voted in every election through November 2010, often debating candidates and ballot measures with family or friends. She was small in stature but tough-minded, decisive and strong. Mrs. Whiteman was preceded in death by her young daughter, Connie Lee, in 1931, her husband of 57 years, Robert, in 1984 and her three brothers Olen, Robert and Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara W. Garland of Glendale, Arizona; grandchildren, Edward Olen Garland of Hampton, Virginia, Robert Henry Garland of Casa Grande, Arizona, Sara Jan Thomas of La Jolla, California; and two great grandchildren, Edward R. (Teddy) Garland, an Arizona State University student and Megan M. Garland a Boston University student. Nephews, nieces, in-laws, other family, close friends and caregivers who live in Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona, California and Colorado were wonderfully kind and gracious to Sara over the years. While they are too numerous to list here, each were special to and loved by Sara. A celebration of Mrs. Whiteman's extraordinary life will be held on November 27, 2010 at 10:00 am at California Heights United Methodist Church, 3759 Orange Avenue, Long Beach. A reception will follow at the church. All are welcome. The family requests that remembrances be sent to the Robert H. and Sara K. Whiteman Scholarship Fund at Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois 61462.