Elsa Whitney's Obituary
Elsa Louise Roberts was born June 2, 1928 in Tacoma, the eldest of four. Named after her mother, she became known as “Dolly.” She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended dental school in San Francisco, but met her great love, Clyde Whitney, through his sister, one of her good friends in Tacoma. They were married for over 60 years.
Dolly had a busy life with a home daycare, a family of all boys (Rick, Craig, Gary, Dale and Paul) while Clyde worked at Joint Base Lewis McChord. Church, Boy Scouts, FISH Foodbank, a Beagle named Frisky, rabbits, pigeons, tropical fish, snakes all competed with life in the Whitney household. Camping, fishing, cousins and time at the beach were part of the family traditions. Dolly loved sewing, quilting, and canning. Her peaches and pickles were food groups unto themselves.
But as daughter-in-laws began to merge with the family, they quickly noticed that the coffee pot was never empty and that a single “cookie-jar” concept was a misnomer. There were consistently multiple tins and Tupperwares full of different kinds of cookies in Dolly’s kitchen. Caring for others and baking cookies was a mainstay of her day. And even on the afternoon of her death, she was reminding people that there were cookies on the counter at home that should be eaten.
We celebrate Dolly’s homecoming to Jesus her Savior. Throughout her life, she pointed out the goodness of God and the miracles abounding in nature. Her life reflected refrains in Psalm 145, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty…”
As we her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and dear friends can attest, her legacy is so much more than her recipes. We remember how she helped us notice details in the natural world, of how she made us feel loved (and well-fed) when we were together. How she provided for us. (“Some peaches? Some pickles to take home?”) How she put her trust in the Lord God. And yes, we will remember the cups of coffee and cookies we shared.
Welcome Home, Dolly!
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, remembrances be made to your favorite charity.
What’s your fondest memory of Elsa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elsa?
Share a story where Elsa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elsa you’ll never forget.
How did Elsa make you smile?