Obituary: Bernice Payne Whitaker

Bernice Payne Whitaker

October 28, 1923, to February 9, 2010

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend went onto her next journey peacefully in her sleep in Reno.

Bernice was born to Mary Edna Payne and Leslie Myron Payne, as the youngest of five children in the farming town of Stockton, Calif. As a young woman she attended The University of The Pacific in Stockton. She loved and enjoyed playing the piano throughout her life.

She met and married Harry 0. Whitaker in Stockton. Later the family moved to Nevada, where she worked for Harrah's, known then as The Golden Hotel. Years later with her three children, she moved to Carson City, and worked for the highway department. During her residence in Carson she went to work for the state in the retirement department. Bernice eventually found herself promoted to a career working for William D. Swackhamer in the Secretary of State's Office, position that she took great pride in and stayed with until she retired.

Bernice was an active member of the BPW and the Eagle Valley Women's Golf Club. In her lifelong love of golf she achieved the title of a "hole in one" golfer, and enjoyed the camaraderie of many friends on and off the golf course.

She is survived and loved by her daughters Lynn Britt and Andrea Whitaker (Kathryn); son John Whitaker; grandchildren Shayla Dougher, Leslie Lagace (Larry), and Megan Whitaker; great-grandchildren Tara Watts, Brittany Rios, Michael Rios, Madelyn Dougher, and Joanna Dougher. She is also survived by many friends who knew, loved and shared her life with her.

A special thank you goes out to Home Instead, Renown Hospital, and Life Care Center for the great care she received by all of the staff members. Our family appreciates everything you did to keep her comfortable, and your support is heartfelt.

An extra special thank you from our family to Pam Huerta for the generosity of heart, the time you spent and the love and laughter you shared with Bernice in our greatest time of need. Your love and spirit brought life, peace and joy to her in the last months of her life. We are grateful and love you more than words can express. You have a very special gift, and all who know you are blessed to share your friendship and caring nature.

There will be no formal service. There will be a private Celebration of Life for her with family and close friends on February 27, 2010.