Margaret Angeline Gatherum Whittaker

Ann Whittaker, beloved wife, mother, neighbor and friend passed on quietly, during the late evening of April 30, 2020

Born on April 8, 1930 in Salt Lake City to James E. and Jessie M. Gatherum, she was the youngest of three children.  Ann grew up in the Sugar House area with her sister Afton and brother Gordon, where she developed many lifelong friends.  A graduate of South High and the University of Utah, she was an elementary school teacher, influencing many young lives with increased knowledge and good grammar.  On October 22, 1952, she married the love of her life, Tim Whittaker, in the Salt Lake Temple.  They began a family and within a few years built their lovely home in the orchards of East Millcreek, where they raised their five children.  Ann and Tim were known for their kindness, integrity and service to neighbors and friends for the next 50 years.  Tim passed away in 2006 and Ann continued to care for their home, family and friends.

Work was a joy to Ann. Whether she was working with a young student or cleaning her house, she gave it her best. People were always the most important to her. She deeply loved her neighbors and friends.  A life-long, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served in many callings in the East Millcreek 2nd Ward.  She was greatly influenced by the concept of living a “Christlike life” and always looked for opportunities to help others.  She taught her children to love one another and to value kindness and character.  Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember her for her undivided attention and mugs of cold “shaken” Ovaltine.

She is survived by her daughters Sue (Mike) Sansom and Lisa (Howard) Sorensen, sons Greg (Debbie) Whittaker and Steve Whittaker, 15 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, with three more due in the near future.  Preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Afton, brother Gordon and daughter Angie (Shawn) Horman.

A small, closed service will be broadcast at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 via an internet link provided through Holbrook Mortuary (www.HolbrookMortuary.com), which will be located just below this obituary on Wednesday.  This broadcast will be stored and viewable for 90 days on the Holbrook website.  Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

The family would like to thank each of you for your friendship with Ann and also a special thanks to the staff of The Ridge at Cottonwood Place and Canyon Hospice, for their loving care.