Whaley (Weaver), Mrs. Mary Ellen Jeannine Departed earth with outstretched arms to join her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 23, 2015. She was born on October 21, 1930 in Genessee County, Flint, MI, to Ralph Raymond Weaver and Ayars Opal Weaver (Barhite). She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Richard Whaley in 2011, son, Ryan Raymond Whaley in 1994, daughter, Rose Ayars Whaley in 1969 at birth, half-sister, Darlene Winifred Gilkes, half-brother, Edward Grady Davis, Jr., and special brother, Donald C. Christie. Mary married Raymond on June 19, 1948, in Montrose, MI. She is survived by her children, Ronald (Mary) Whaley of Arizona, Garry (Judy) Whaley of Kentwood, MI, and Terry (Ellen) Whaley of Ada, MI; 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. A special thank you to her granddaughters, Stephanie (Ryan) VanBeek, and Wendy (Will) Ingraham for their love, care and devotion to Grandma, as well as to grandson, Russell Whaley, and nieces, Deni Whaley and Debra (Doug) Simerson, and the many visits from her Pastor Tim Ryder and church members and friends. Mary served many years in Church Ministries and Music, and spent 45 years in Genealogy research work and teaching family research courses at church, high school night classes and online. She was active in local politics as a district representative and pro-life interests. An auto accident in November 1994 ceased most outside activities. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Radio Bible Class or Grand Rapids First Church Senior Ministries. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 3131 S. Division Avenue, Wyoming, MI, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Ada Cemetery. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook, please visit: www.stegengafuneralchapel.com

Published in the Grand Rapids Press Feb. 28, 2015.