Avis Whitaker

Avis Whitaker (nee Kuhn) of Columbia, MO, passed away at the age of 96 on Monday, March 22, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Curtis Whitaker; her daughter, Jamie Sue Whitaker; her parents, Herman Andrew Kuhn and Anna Mae Kuhn (nee Drovetta); her stepmother Gladys Kuhn; and her siblings, Tony Kuhn, Virgil Kuhn, Willard Kuhn, and Dorothy Carter.

Avis is survived by her children, Rev. Dr. A. Rene Whitaker and Dr. Todd Whitaker (Beth); her grandchildren, Katherine Dorrel Whitaker, Madeline Whitaker Good (Guerric), and Harrison McCune Whitaker; and her great-grandson, Tapley Thomas Good.

Born in Holcombe, Wisconsin, Avis was raised on a farm in Republic County, Kansas. She enjoyed a lengthy and successful career with Southwestern Bell and retired after thirty-three-years of service. She was a former member of United Methodist Church of St. Charles, was a current member of Central Presbyterian Church in Terre Haute IN, and enjoyed both communities of faith. Avis had the distinction of belonging to many groups and organizations throughout her life. She was the District Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Alexander Chapter 242 in St. Charles, MO. She also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 43 in Terre Haute, IN. When her son was young, Avis took pride in volunteering as a Cub Scout Den Mother. Avis was a board member of Rainbow Girls, a member of VFW Auxiliary 972 in Terre Haute, IN, and a member of Moose Lodge 1093 in Terre Haute, IN. Square dancing brought a lot of joy to Avis and she enjoyed active membership in several square dance clubs.

For fun, Avis was fond of sewing, playing cards, and doing her crossword puzzles – she was known to do the New York Times crossword in pen! Above everything, family brought Avis the greatest happiness in her life and she treasured all the moments she shared with her beloved children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Avis' honor to a charity of the donor's choice.

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