Arleen Lucille Whittaker, 91, passed away June 26, 2026, at Via Christi Villages, Hays, Kansas. She was born on August 31, 1934, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Fay E. and Gussie (Runion) Smith. On September 2, 1955, Arleen married Robert Leon Whittaker in Great Bend, Kansas. He passed on May 18, 2011.
A long-time Great Bend resident, Arleen was a teacher, teaching at a country school then in Hoisington before spending most of her career as a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, where she played the organ and taught choir for many years. Her organ playing skills were also provided to Emmanuel United Church of Christ for 24 years. Arleen was a member of the Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed collection antiques like doll dishes but especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl Butler and husband Mike of Hays, and Michelle Benoit and husband Douglas of Esbon; six grandchildren, Kelsey Beale and husband Ethan, McKenzie Scott and husband Drew, Sydney Benoit, Ashley Miller and husband Zach, Thane Benoit, and Colby Benoit; and one great grandson, Elmer Robert Miller.
She is preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Cremation has taken place. A private inurnment at Fairview Cemetery in Phillipsburg will be held at a later date. Memorials have been designated to Dream Camp or St. Mark Lutheran Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.