Maurice F. Whitney

Maurice F. Whitney Maury, 94, passed away peacefully March 7, 2014 at Providence St. Peter Hospital surrounded by his children. Maury was born November 29, 1919 to Frederick and Lottie (Harris) Whitney in Hermiston, OR. When he was a year old, his family moved to Hoquiam, WA where he remained until graduating from Hoquiam High and being drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWll. He spent his entire WWII duty in England maintaining the B17 bomber. Upon returning, he married Zella M. Mandich and they were married for 64 years until her death in 2010. He worked for and retired from the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Upon retirement he built Zella the home of her dreams by himself with no formal training. He was able to just figure things out and do it. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Florence and Linnea and a brother, Alvin. Maury is survived by sons, Tom (Anne) Whitney and Bob (Malia) Whitney and daughters, Barb, Rick) Bergholz and N. Joanne (Mike) Gilman; nine grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. At Maury's request, there will be a graveside service at Mills and Mills Cemetery, 5725 Littlerock Rd. SW in Tumwater at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. All are welcome and there will be a reception next door at Pellegrino's Event Center following the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or perform a random act of kindness to a stranger.