Stella Mae Whiteman

Stella Mae Whiteman left this world to be with our Lord. Stella passed peacefully in her home Sunday, August 17, 2025 at the age of 101.

She was born October 1, 1923 in Persia Iowa the daughter of John Wesley and Vangy (Shelten) Murphy.

Stella married Marvin Whitman on April 7, 1950, they were married 52 years until his passing in 2002. The couple was bound together as one, both living their lives on the farm until their passing.

Stella was a homemaker as well as a farm wife with her husband, never afraid to be among the cows and pigs along with working in the hayfield. Stella had worked at Pratt & Whitney in the 1940’s and Sears & Roebuck before she married Marvin.

Marvin and Stella were members of the Work and Play Club.

Stella was a member of the First Baptist Church Garden City. She served the Lord as Sunday school teacher for 16 years working with small children teaching the lives of many for the Lord. Later she became a member of the Kingsville Baptist Church where she had many loving friends.

On vacation in 1989 to Israel Stella was baptized in the Jordan River. Stella enjoyed the outdoors doing all her own lawn work, mowing, pulling weeds out of the garden and tending flowers until she was 100 plus.

Stella was loved by 17 nieces and nephews, 32 great, 42 great great and 9 great great great all in the Murphy family and many more in the Whiteman family.

Preceding her in death: her parents John Wesley & Vangy (Shelten) Murphy, husband Marvin Whiteman, brother Jim Murphy, three sisters, Freda Shipley, Cletis Snyder, Mary McKay.

Funeral services were scheduled Monday, August 25, 2025 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Pastor John McRoy officiating.

Interment followed at the Holden Cemetery.

The family received friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Kingsville.