Adah Claire (Evans) Whittaker

With profound sadness, we say goodbye to our beloved “Mom” and “Gram”, who passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016. Her gentle spirit, loving guidance and sense of humor will be forever held in our hearts.

Born on September 28, 1920, in Sugar City, Idaho, she often teased the name of her birthplace was the reason she was so sweet. Anyone who knew her would agree that her sense of humor and endless patience were also traits that contributed to her impact on those who were welcomed into her life.

After graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1938, she attended college in Lewiston, Idaho for a brief time before moving to Spokane, Washington to work for the Union Pacific Railroad. It was in Spokane that she met her husband of 44 years, Charles (Chuck) Whittaker whom she married in June of 1946. They lived in Spokane for many years, and with several of their close friends, founded the HASSIE Club, an organization for antique auto enthusiasts.

The family moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 1963. Shortly after arriving there, Adah completed her college degree at the University of Idaho and began her teaching career. She was adored by her students, and respected by her colleagues.

In 1986, she and Chuck moved to Post Falls, Idaho, where she taught elementary school until she retired. As with her teaching position in Bonners Ferry, she continued to inspire her students, and earn the respect and admiration of her peers.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, and is survived by her three children: Bruce (Debby) Whittaker, Kim Kelley and Tim Whittaker; her grandchildren Stephanie (John) Tucker, Jenny (Forest) Graham, Tracy (Josh) Truesdell, Ericka Truesdell, Jason (Nikki) Whittaker, Katie (Patrick) Syring and Jessica Whittaker; her great-grandchildren Matt, Courtney and Chase Tucker; Aspen and Willow Graham; Josh Creager and Thalia Hume; Ayla and Austin (Jessica) Suiter; Olivia, Micah and Ethan Whittaker; Emma Syring.

She is remembered lovingly as a warm, compassionate, and generous woman, an amazing mother, and an insightful grandmother whose guidance was always given in the spirit of offering a different perspective.

The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Adah’s life on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Naples Fire Hall.