Karen Lee Whetzel Obituary (1946 - 2010)

Karen Lee Whetzel of Linville fell asleep in death after 63 years of life in the early morning hours of Wednesday June 9, 2010. Throughout her recent illness, whenever the eventuality of death was briefly mentioned, she had often expressed her sure faith in the resurrection hope as promised in the Bible. She was born on August 8, 1946, the daughter of James Franklin Norman II and Beatrice Dove Norman of Broadway and she attended Broadway High School. On October 21, 1962, she married Ronald Elwood Whetzel of Linville. Mrs. Whetzel is survived by her husband Ron, a son, Ronald Anthony Whetzel of Snow Hill, Maryland, a daughter Stephanie Whetzel Thompson of Waynesboro and two grandchildren, Erica Whetzel Aristizabal and Lindsey Blair Wilson both of Salisbury, Maryland. In addition she is survived by four sisters, Brenda Norman of Harrisonburg, Donna Hines of Elkton, Natalie Didawick and Valerie Brett both of Harrisonburg and a brother, James F. Norman III of Criders. She also is survived by nieces, Dana Moyers of McGaheysville, Rebecca Vance of Harrisonburg, Lori Norquest of Harrisonburg, Ashley Didawick of Reston and Caitlin Didawick of Manassas, as well as two nephews, Eric Smith of Staunton and James F. Norman IV of Criders. Mrs. Whetzel was preceded in death by her father and mother, as well as her younger sister Lana Vance. Mrs. Whetzel held multiple jobs throughout her working career, however her fondest memories came from working as a volunteer with the Virginia Department for the Visually Handicapped. She drove for Ed Thurston who was a visually impaired Rehabilitation Teacher, for over 30 years. Mrs. Whetzel was a loving wife and caring mother who also had a deep love for children and her wide collection of cookbooks and hats. She loved all members of her family and worked countless hours assisting them in various endeavors. As a member of the Harrisonburg Congregation of Jehovah?s Witnesses, she had a deep appreciation for all of God?s creation and a special love for the color and beauty of flowers. K K as she was affectionately called by many in her family, often expressed her sincere love for life and always greatly enjoyed sharing her keen sense of humor. Though death is often viewed as an extremely sad time for a family, she on many occasions joked of her desire to have balloons and clowns at her funeral. While the family may not go that far, the memorial in her honor will hopefully express many of her hopes, values and her intense love for life. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by McMullen Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 7:00-9:00 pm at the McMullen Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah?s Witnesses, on Route 42 north of Harrisonburg VA on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.