Katie Denise Whitener

Katie went to be with her Heavenly Father, on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024, with her mother, beside her, and close family present in spirit.

Katie was born on December 1st, 1992. She leaves behind her father, Mark Whitener, mother, Ronda Whitener, brother Chance Whitener, wife Lindsey Whitener, nieces Lily Mae, Mia Blake and nephew, Sawyer Jett, and grandmother, Carolyn Whitener. Preceded in death is her Papa, Dwain Whitener, Aunt, Sheila Wampler, and grandparents, Billy and Verna Johnson.

Katie attended Santa Fe High School in Edmond, Oklahoma. She excelled in all school subjects, but her passion was her art classes. She learned many mediums to create visual art from her grandmother, Carolyn Whitener. She was voted by her peers as the "Most Artistic". She also was on the varsity cheer squad, along with a cheerleader at Twist and Shout, for over 11 years. Cheerleading gave her the freedom to dance, sing and shout, before her many fans. Photography classes enhanced fulfilling her lifetime dream as an artist through the lens of a camera.

Katie's happy place was at Lake Eufaula, where she spent many summers with her aunts, Rayna Whitener, and Sheila Wampler. Rayna and Sheila were able to share their love of the water with Chance, and many of their friends. She truly adored her aunt Sheila, who passed away in June 2022.

Katie's favorite childhood past time was being the "Other Mother" to her brother Chance. They shared a bond only siblings hold dear. They learned many life skills, through play, laughter, and music. Chance has a fond memory of her teaching him country two-step dancing.

Like her father, Katie was an entrepreneur, and created her photography business she called "The Photo Poet". Katie wrote:

"Howdy, I'm Katie Whitener, the face behind The Photo Poet, a lifelong Midwesterner from Oklahoma who is artistic, easily distracted, and loves connecting with people. My style is artistic, poetic and soulful. My bags are always packed ready for the next destination wedding. I am single, kidless, so...take me everywhere! My photo style is romantic, true tone with a zesty artistic flare. I created my style so that you can feel the moment within my real life editing. I will also whip out my tilty 70's lens from time to time. There goes my "vintage whimsy affect" you will see within my work. I have mastered the craft of thinking on the fly, being present, intentional with my process, while giving you timeless visual art to look back on for years ahead. If you want someone who is going to give you and your loved one a Hell of an experience, guarantee amazing photos, well...you have found her!"

Katie shared her love of creating with her mother, (and middle name). Katie and her sister Lindsey spent many a late-night brainstorming where their creative juices took centerstage. She enjoyed creating silly videos with her family, friends and clients. But most of all, her most precious time was with her nieces and nephew, Lily, Mia and Sawyer.

Her aunt and uncle, Dennis and Barbara Carter, of Piedmont, hosted parties and family gatherings where Chance and her spent time with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Barbara shares a forever bond as the role of Nana, and love of seashells.

Katie will best be remembered for her infectious laugh, strong work ethic, creativity, truth telling, seeing the world through her camera lens, faithful friendship, awesome dance moves, family loving and gypsy soul!

Her "Celebration of Life Service" will be on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm, at Life Church Edmond, 4600 E 2nd St, Edmond, Ok 73034.

Come and Go reception from 2:30 - 9:00 pm, at Clauren Ridge Vineyard, 6000 Waterloo Rd, Edmond, OK 73025.

Katie is in Heaven, dancing in the sky, singing as an angel in the Angel's choir, laughing, playing her favorite playlist, creating visual art, photographing through her lens, to share with us all one day!