Martha Josephine Whitney

Martha "Marty" J. Whitney passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, in Cedar Hills, Utah, at the age of 91.
Born on August 19, 1934, in Trinidad, Colorado, Marty lived a full and meaningful life rooted in compassion, faith, service, and love for her family and community.
A graduate in nursing, Marty began her career in Labor and Delivery, where her gentle care and comforting presence touched countless lives. She later served for 25 years as the Director of Volunteer Services at Simi Valley Adventist Hospital, where she and her beloved husband, Ralph N. Whitney, devoted their lives to serving others. Together, they embodied a spirit of selflessness and kindness that inspired everyone around them.
Marty's smile was big enough to brighten any room, and her laugh was unmistakable-warm, genuine, and welcoming to all. In her final months, following a difficult fall that left her bedridden, her caregivers were still greeted with that same smile each day, even when pain was visible. Her grace and gratitude shone through to the very end.
A faithful member of Hillside Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah, Marty joyfully served as a greeter, faithfully driving each Sunday-rain, snow, or sunshine-until the pandemic confined her to home. She continued to participate in worship through streaming technology, never losing her connection to the congregation she loved.
For the past five years, Marty made her home at The Charleston Assisted Living in Cedar Hills, where she was an active participant and cheerleader for her fellow residents. She formed special bonds with the caring staff and the many young people who looked after her daily. Though she sometimes struggled to recall their names, she never failed to express her deep appreciation for their tender care. During her final seven months, the family was blessed by the compassionate team at Cascade Springs Hospice, who joined the Charleston staff to provide intensive gentle devotion making her final journey one of peace and comfort. The family will be forever grateful for their kindness and care.
Marty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph N. Whitney; her parents, Joseph and Martha Hamson; her brother, John Hamson; and her sister, Elizabeth Hamson. She is survived by her brothers Jim (Carolyn) Hamson and Daniel (Ginny) Hamson; her children Gary (Pam) Whitney, Kathy (Richard) Scranton, Carrie (Jane) Whitney, and Daniel (Jennifer) Whitney; and her adoring grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as "Mammaw"-Kristi Whitney, Katrina Mai, Ryan Whitney, Kassie Livesey, Josh Probst, Dani Blum, Austin Whitney, Hallee Whitney, Ashlynn Whitney, Mykel Johnson Fisher, and Ethan Tate. In addition, eight great-grandchildren's pictures lined the walls of her room and brought smiles to her face.
Marty was a ray of light-one whose love, faith, and joyful laughter brightened every life she touched. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and service that continues to live on in her children and grandchildren, who learned from her by example to "love thy neighbor."
In our hearts, we can picture Ralph waiting to greet her once again-perhaps with a smile and a shiny red golf cart-ready to take her to the next great celebration in Heaven with all the dear friends who arrived before her.
A celebration of Marty's life will be held on Monday, December 15 at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home in Orem at 11:00 AM with a family visitation time from 10-10:45 prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Simi Valley Rotary in her memory.
To view the services online for Marty please click here. www.walkersanderson.com