Susan Dian Kanenwisher Whitmer
Susan Dian Kanenwisher Whitmer has gone to be with her Lord and Savior after a year-long illness.
Susan was born in Minot, N. D., on Oct. 10, 1942, to Bennie and Margrit (Moen) Kanenwisher. Susan lost her dear mother Margrit when she was only two weeks old. Her father took her and her sister to California for about a year and then traveled on to live in Warden. During these few years the girls were cared for by loving aunts and grandparents. When Susan was two, Bennie remarried Verna Marie Graham, which began a blended family including Janice, Susan, Gary, Kenny and later on, Judy. She spent her childhood years in Othello. She had a lovely singing voice and during her high school years was selected to participate in many choral events. Her long blond hair was beautiful and a source of admiration.
She married at the early age of 17 to William (Bill) A. Whitmer. They had four children: Gayle, Scott, Brenda, and David. In 17 years of marriage, Sue and Bill moved many times, though staying in the Adams and Grant county area.
When the marriage ended in 1977, Sue moved to Moses Lake. She worked as a manager of the Eagles, catering, and working at other jobs to support herself and her youngest children. In 1995 she took a trip to the south and fell in love with Clyde Cummings. They were married shortly thereafter and spent 10 happy years together. Illness necessitated her move to Eastern Washington, where she could be near her children.
She is survived by her four siblings: Janice (Jim) Gower, Gary (Gloria) Kanenwisher, Kenneth (Krista) Kanenwisher, and Judith (Carol) Harper. Survivors also include her loving children: Gayle (Dave) Bonato, Scott (Sylvia) Whitmer, Brenda (John) Whitmer-Morris, and David (Rosa Torres) Whitmer; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandsons, Tony and Matthew Bonato. Susan's greatest love was her family.
She had many hobbies, including reading, sewing, cooking, and gardening. She also crafted, quilted, made dolls and artwork for her own enjoyment, as well as for extra income. Her skills as a seamstress were famous in the area where she lived. It gave her great satisfaction to help others and give to the needy. She especially liked to give gifts of food. In her later years she worked as an in-home health care giver, but that doesn't encompass all that she did for other people. She was always willing to go the extra mile and thought nothing of providing her services for free when needed. Her clients loved her and spoke highly of her. She had many special friends in Washington, as well as Texas, namely Rita Osborn, who also preceded her in death. Susan and Rita were the "Thelma and Louise" of their time.
At the end of her illness she was loved, cared for, and watched over by Dr. Irene Kimura and the supportive staff of Samaritan Hospital. She will be missed by all who knew her. Graveside service will take place at Bess Hampton Memorial Cemetery in Othello, at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service and reception at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 640 E. Elm Street, Othello, officiated by Pastor Teresia Calene. Flowers should be sent to 3863 Denton Road, Moses Lake, WA. Memorial donations may be sent to Moses Lake Food Bank. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, Moses Lake. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.