M. Charlene Whitenack

M. Charlene Whitenack, age 91, a resident of rural Ridgeville, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Persimmon Ridge in Portland.

Charlene was born on June 13, 1933, in Berne, Indiana, the daughter of Otto and Wilma (Biberstien) Sommer.  She was a 1951 graduate of Jefferson High School and a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Ridgeville.  She married Leland Whitenack on May 19, 1951 at the Deerfield United Methodist Church and he passed away on March 30, 2020.

. She was a housewife and formerly employed at Jay Garment, Randolph Co. Hospital and a 4-H Leader in Ridgeville and Saratoga.  She was a charter member of the Stitch and Chatter Quilt Club in Portland, a supporter of the Soil and Water Conservation of Randolph County and was a blood donor for many years.  She was a great cook and seamstress.

Survivors include:

Her children:  Les Whitenack (wife Linda) – Deerfield, Indiana

Rosalyn Landess – Winchester, Indiana

Jeffrey Whitenack (wife Melanie) – Deerfield, Indiana

Doug Whitenack (wife Barbara) – Portland, Indiana

Connie Snyder (husband Bruce) – Winchester, Indiana

Her siblings:  Ireta Zerkel – Winchester, Indiana

Arlou Whitenack – Portland, Indiana

Keith Lehman – Portland, Indiana

10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren

She was preceded in death by husband, Leland Whitenack, her parents, her brothers, Glen Sommer and Larry Lehman, a sister Sharon Bowser and a great-grandson, Hailey Suttles.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Lawndale Cemetery, east of Ridgeville.