Iris L. (Van Patter) Whitney

Iris L. (Van Patter) Whitney, age 86, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died at her home on July 20, 2014 after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family.

Born July 10, 1928 in Sunnyside, WA., to Mark and Florence Van Patter. She attended grade school in Sunnyside and graduated from Sunnyside High School in 1946.

On June 12, 1949, she married G. "Marvin" Whitney. They met as young teens and it was love at first site. They have been loving partners in marriage for 65 years.

They made their home in Moses Lake in 1958, moving from Sunnyside so Marvin could take a job with Simplot. Iris worked as a nurse for many years and hairdresser. Her main "job" was to care for her family, provide a loving home and later being a grandmother to her 5 grandchildren. She loved them dearly and spent many hours of fun and laughter with them.

Iris was woman of strong faith and an active member of her church and church choir for many years. She was an avid golfer and a long-standing member of the Moses Lake County Club. Iris and Marvin developed many friendships in Moses Lake. She was involved with the Republican Party and served on the election board for many years. Iris enjoyed art and music (especially hymns), painted and sang with enthusiasm.

Survivors include her husband Marvin of 65 years. Her sons and their spouses Ray and Norma Whitney and George and Lisa Whitney and her beloved grandchildren Mark Whitney (Margaret), Lauren (Clay) Schuster, Nathan (Mariah) Whitney, Pauline Whitney and Rose( Keegan) Hille and two great-grand children Royce and Whitney Schuster. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law William Morris "Buzz" and Faye Van Patter of Spokane, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Mark and Florence Van Patter and her sister Joy.

Services were held at the Sunnyside Cemetery on July 24th. It was her wish to be buried in Sunnyside next to her family.

Thanks to Paul Wagoner and Penny Weber for their support and care. Iris also had many caregivers that provided loving care that enabled her to stay in their home for many years. She lived her life as a Christian and believed in her faith which provided her years of comfort and joy. 2 Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Moses Lake Presbyterian Church.