Loretta Whaley

Loretta Pearl Whaley, 74, of Filer, Idaho, passed away, surrounded by her family and loved ones, Sunday, September 8, 2013 at her home.
Rita was born June 27, 1939 in Sheldon, Missouri. Her family moved to Idaho when she was ten years old and lived in several cities throughout the Magic Valley. She attended school in Jerome eventually receiving an Associates Degree in Medical Terminology from C.S.I.
She married Alva "Dude" Dean Garrison Sr. in 1954. Together they had four children. Dude served in the military and worked for many years as a trucker leaving Rita at home to raise the children. She stuck by him for many years, but they eventually divorced.
Rita married William Garrette Shell, they had two children and together raised all six of Rita's children. Bill passed away in 1989. She married James Donald Whaley and they were together until his death in 2001.
Rita was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting and was a member of In His Name Christian Fellowship. Her family was the most important thing in her life and all of her children were able to be with her at the end. She always took the opportunity to share her love of the Lord to everyone.
She was preceded in death by her father, David Dale Smith; sister, Phillis Frazier and husbands, William Garrette Shell and James Donald Whaley.
Loretta is survived by her mother, Loretta B. Smith of Filer; sons, Alva "Skip" Garrison Jr. of Kimberly, Stephen (Michelle) Shell of Boise; daughters, Verena (David) Thompson of Chubbuck, Ramona (Dennis) Montgomery of Filer, Brenda (Fred) Luque of Highland, Ca., Melody (Kevin) Kreft of Filer; brother, Donald (Linda) Dade of Fort Mojave, Ariz and best friend Carl Franklin of Filer; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 14, 2013 at "In His Name Christian Fellowship" (660 US Hwy 30) in Filer. A viewing will be from 1 - 2 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.