Norma F. Whalen
Norma F. Whalen, 97, of Sullivan, Mo. passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Meramec Nursing Center in Sullivan.
Norma Fern Farrar was born March 18, 1925 in Steelville, Mo. to the late Arthur and Delma (Huitt) Farrar, with stop-overs in St. Louis, Mo., Flat River, Mo., Rolla, Mo., and Sullivan, Mo. She grew up and attended school in Steelville, graduating with the class of 1943. As a young woman, she could be found working at a local snack bar in high school. Later, she then worked for various department stores in Rolla. Norma was united in marriage to Guy Patrick Whalen on March 13, 1947. Guy and Norma were blessed with five children: Patrick, Michael, Judy, Jerry, and Dawn.
Norma was a loving, thoughtful, and caring person who will be fondly remembered as a great mom, loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She truly enjoyed raising her family and she counted it a great blessing to have so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will most certainly miss her laughter and thoughtfulness. Norma also loved to cook, and was famous for her potato salad and coleslaw!
She was a faithful and devoted Christian who was dedicated to her Savior Jesus Christ and a member of Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan.
Norma is survived by her five children: Patrick Whalen and his wife Bonnie of Overland Park, KS, Michael Whalen and his wife Marsha of Arkadelphia, AR, Judy Copeland and her husband Larry of Raymore, MO, Jerry Whalen and his wife Vivian of Sullivan, MO, and Dawn Millheiser and her husband Dan of Imperial, MO; twelve grandchildren: Thad Whalen, Mark Copeland, Karrie Goodman, Heather Cinkosky, Shannon Walker, Matthew Copeland, Michelle Loftin, Mike Copeland, Heath Whalen, Jeremy Whalen, Madison Millheiser, and Jared Millheiser; a host of great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Whalen; her parents, Arthur and Delma; two brothers, Arthur “Bud” Farrar and Dave “Pud” Farrar; and one sister, Colleen Beck.
Services will be 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Scott Perry officiating. Interment will follow in Steelville Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to the Missions Fund of Temple Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be shared with Norma’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.