Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Betty Jane Whitmer
1937 - 2011
Betty Jane Whitmer
1937 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2011
Betty Whitmer Obituary
Betty Jane Robey Whitmer, known affectionately as Marmee, born November 23, 1937 left behind a loving family on her 74th birthday. Devoted husband of 56 years, Ralph L. Whitmer Sr., her daughter Debbie Whitmer Barnard and her son Ralph (Bo) Whitmer, Jr. will miss her dearly. She was adored by her son-in-law Steve Barnard and daughter-in-law Shelly Whitmer, who cared for her as if she were their mother. Her granddaughter, Jessie Whitmer, will cherish every moment that she was so fortunate to have spent with her grandmother. Betty also leaves behind a brother, Brad Robey, whom she shared an incredible bond.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Betty Whitmer's name to Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center, 4715 15th Street North, Arlington, VA 22205, 703-525-7070, where she spent her last days in hospice care or if you would like to help directly with her medical and memorial expenses, a contribution would be welcomed by her husband, Ralph Whitmer, 7731 Lisle Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22043.
A family visitation will be held Friday evening November 25th, followed by a cremation service per her wishes.
Arrangements under the direction of National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Cathy Schupbach
December 22, 2011
It saddens us that such a sweet, gentle lady is no longer with us. Aunt Betty will always be remembered for her gentle, loving nature. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brad Robey
December 21, 2011
I will always miss your friendship.
Debbie Barnard
December 8, 2011
Dear Mom,
I miss you more than you could ever know. I am so thankful for the special time we had together in the hospital and hospice. I am hugging on tight to those memories. Thank you for giving me pure moments of joy and love.
Steve Barnard
December 7, 2011
Marmee was much more than my Mother-inlaw she was more like my Mom. She would always take care of me and stand up for me. She is going to be missed by me so much but God needed her more.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Bart Robey
December 4, 2011
I have very fond memories of Aunt Betty, and nice stories from her brother (my dad) Brad Robey, that will stay with me forevever.
November 29, 2011
I only met her once;it was at Deb & Steve's wedding. She was very gracious. My condolences to Deb and her family. Shannon sends her love.
Mel March
Patricia
November 28, 2011
I'm glad you could be with your mom…..it means so much to have your loved ones by your side. I'll be praying for you and your family during these difficult times.
Rocky
November 28, 2011
Bo, my deepest condolences to you and your family. You will be in our prayers. It was great that you got to spend some quality time with her in her last hours. As you mentioned, she is in a better place now.
Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
God Bless.
Rip
November 28, 2011
Thanks for letting me know of your mother's passing, I am so sorry for your loss. You are so right about your daughter having a chance to get to know your mom…. may you always cherish those memories. Please know that that my wife and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Looney
November 28, 2011
To all the Whitmer family & friends, my sincerest and deepest condolences for the loss of Mrs. Whitmer. Your family was certainly one of the best ones I've ever worked for years ago; I have such fond memories of working and sharing good times together with you all. May you truly be comforted during this time. I wish you many wonderful memories to comfort you in the months to come.
Celeste
November 28, 2011
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do please know that I will.
May your heart stay strong and your spirit soar as you take comfort in knowing she is in God's hands. God bless you and your family.
Sean
November 28, 2011
We're really sorry for your loss Bo. I know Thanksgiving will have a different meaning for you this year and for years to come.
Tom
November 28, 2011
That was a beautiful message! My thoughts and heart will be with you and your family.
I am so happy to hear you were with her when she passed. That is a wonderful gift for you both, one that you will always have with you.
Take care and find comfort in the many memories you have.
Bob
November 28, 2011
God Bless you and your family. What a day of emotions. I know you have great support to help you through this difficult time. Whatever we can do at Briggs let us know.
Thoughts and prayers +
Bill
November 28, 2011
It is time to be with your Family and celebrate her life. It's times like these that make us who we are as individuals, and your Mom is extremely proud of you. I'm sorry I can't be there to support you in person, though hand on your shoulder in thought.
Our sincerest condolences to your and your family.
Steve, Theresa, and the kids
November 28, 2011
Bo and Family,
Our deepest sympathies at your loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue.
Darcy
November 28, 2011
I am sorry for your loss... I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting her too. She must have been a wonderful woman, I can tell because I have the pleasure of knowing you. This was a lovely sentiment to her and blessings to you all.
Sabrina
November 28, 2011
Bo, I am so glad that I met your mom, she had unique qualities that seemed to connect she and I. May you find peace in the love that only moms can give, she is always going to be with you - God Bless
November 27, 2011
Bo, I am so glad that I met your mom she had unique qualitiies that seemed to connect she and I- may you find peace in the love that only moms can give -- and she is always going to be with you-God Bless
Jennifer
November 27, 2011
I am thankful that Bo was there and that she is not suffering any longer. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sheila
November 27, 2011
So sad for your family, without a doubt you were special to her, too; she will be your family's silent guardian angel giving God's blessings.
Eleni
November 27, 2011
I'm so sorry. I had a great mother in law too. We were truly blessed!
Terri
November 27, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss. Let me know if you need anything. Thoughts and prayers going your way.
Anthony Ballard
November 27, 2011
Sorry for your loss. Will be thinking and praying for all of you.
Heather Brown
November 27, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about his Mom we enjoyed our Thanksgiving with her years ago when we came out. Great Lady. Our thoughts and prayers our with you all.
Michelle Lilly
November 27, 2011
Thoughts and Prayers for you all! Sorry for your loss.
Paula
November 27, 2011
Thinking of you & your family and sending positive vibes your way, Shelly. Celebrate her life!
Heather
November 27, 2011
Shelly, Bo and Jessie, The loss of your Mother will never be easy, you have to let tears and laughter flow when they dictate. The pain will ease, but know that when you lose an amazing Mother here, she is just waiting above the clouds till you see her again. My family will keep you in our prayers and thoughts, and know we are sending hugs to all of you.
Susan
November 27, 2011
I'm so sorry for your the loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all this day and always. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Karen
November 27, 2011
I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. May your loving memories and gratitude help to ease the heartache of your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts.
Maeve
November 27, 2011
So sorry to hear that, glad we had the chance to meet her! Please pass on our thoughts to Bo!
Mary Hutchinson
November 26, 2011
So very sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family, especially our good friends Debbie and Steve. We apologize for not making it to the service, but John has been in the hospital.
Mary Hutchinson and John Marshall
Marianne Moore
November 25, 2011
What a beautiful spirit and such an inspiration to so many. May God bless your family and provide comfort during this time.
November 25, 2011
Steve, Debbie, my heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers. May your mother/mother-in law rest in peace.
Betty & Ralph, New Year's Day 2006
November 25, 2011
Marmee & Jessie, Christmas 2010
November 25, 2011
Linda Brown
November 25, 2011
To the most beautiful and precious of Aunts who so kindly lent me her name of Marmee when I became a grandmother, I will always think of you each time my grandchildren call me Marmee and remember your kind and gentle spirit. You were a very special Aunt to me!
May God's comfort surround all of you in the days ahead. Love to you all,
Karen Cobb
November 24, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Aunt Betty had such a sweet, kind and gentle spirit and will be missed so very much. In loving memory of a wonderful wife, mother, marrmee, sister and aunt. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. love to you all
Betty Whitmer, 1959
November 24, 2011
Betty & Ralph, Easter 1956
November 24, 2011
Marmee & Jessie, Thanksgiving 2009
November 24, 2011
Christmas Together 2008
November 24, 2011
November 24, 2011
Our beautiful Marmee.
Jessie Whitmer
November 24, 2011
Marmee, my grandma, was one of the best people I have and will ever meet it my life. We were very close and we shared an astonishing bond. She will always be in my heart and soul. Ever since I was little, she has been there for me and that was 14 years ago. I love my Marmee and I always will.
Bo Whitmer
November 24, 2011
There has been a beautiful angel added to the skies above to start answering our prayers.
I had the privilege to celebrate my mom's 74th birthday at the moment we approached midnight this morning. I had the honor of being by her side as she passed away six hours later.
She was an incredible woman that always put family before herself and never complained of anything. I am so happy that my daughter had the time to know her Marmee.
Please embrace your family this Thanksgiving as we never know what tomorrow may bring.
Shelly Whitmer
November 23, 2011
I was blessed to have you as my wonderful mother-in-law for 17 years, and I will cherish all of our many talks . . . you always knew just what to say. I love you and miss you already. Happy birthday Marmee; may you now rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042
Make a Donation
in Betty Whitmer's name
How to support Betty's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Betty Whitmer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
