Helen Marie Whiteman

Helen Marie (Ricker) Whiteman, age 70, of Donegal Twp., PA, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 7, 2018 after being in failing health for several years.

Born on December 27, 1947 in Wheeling, WV., she is the daughter of the late August John and Clara Agnes (Bott) Ricker.

Mrs. Whiteman was a 1965 graduate of Trinity High School. She married Gary Wayne Whiteman on February 19, 1971 and together they made their home in the Claysville, PA. area.

After 25 years of service, Mrs. Whiteman retired from McGuffey School District as the transportation secretary. She was a member of Claysville United Presbyterian Church and served as both a Deacon and Elder during her membership. She also used her skills and dedication to her community by serving on the Washington Area Federal Credit Union’s Board of Trustees.

Her time was devoted to both her community and her family. She was known to call out to her grandchildren when then entered her home for a visit, “I hear Angel’s feet.” Helen’s personal interests centered on a love of gardening, baking and cooking all of which she shared with her immediate and extended family. She was a frequent camper and Lake Pymatuning was her favorite place to camp with her family.

In addition to her husband of 47 years, Gary Wayne Whiteman, she is survived by her two daughters, Sherri (Mark) Miller of Washington, PA., and Mary (Paul) Saltis, Jr. of Morgantown, WV.; five grandchildren, Caroline and Nora Miller and Gracie, Anna Marie and Paul Gary Saltis; two brothers, Bob (Cathy) Ricker of Prosperity, PA., Dick (Carla) Ricker of Loxahatchee, FL.; two sisters, Dorothy (Floyd) Ankrom of Washington, PA and Clara (Chuck) Kleinhans of Washington, PA.; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Ricker of Elm Grove, WV., Beverly (Fred) Gashel of Claysville, PA., and Barbara Ricker of Harriman, TN.; Helen was a loving Aunt to over 100 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Jack, Fred and Jim Ricker and one sister, Mary Lou Moore.

Friends will be received on Monday, June 11, 2018, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-9 P.M. at the Claysville United Presbyterian Church, 134 Wayne Street, Claysville, PA., (724) 663-7632. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. also at the Claysville United Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Jerome Creach and Pastor Scott Lawrence, officiating.

A private committal service will be held at a later date at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, PA.

Please view and sign the on-line tribute wall at www.kestersonfh.com.