Betty Whalen

Betty Jane Whalen, 85, of Centralia, formerly of Mexico, died at 12:42 p.m., Sunday, March 28, 2010 at her home.

Graveside services will be Thursday, at 3 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery with Rev. Joe Jimerson officiating. There will be a visitation at Pickering Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until the time of the graveside service.

Mrs. Whalen was born Dec. 27, 1924, in Mexico, a daughter of Loyal and Leona (Jones) Wonneman. On July 14, 1974 in Mexico she married Willard Whalen who preceded her in death on May 14, 2008.

Mrs. Whalen enjoyed knitting and traveling with her family. She was a member of First Christian Church in Centralia.

Survivors include one daughter, Gaye Hammontree and husband George, Centralia; three grandchildren, Beck Hammontree, Fort Smith, Ark., Keely Hammontree, Missoula, Mont., and Seth Hammontree, US Air Force, Kuwait; one niece, Jo Dean Miller-Newsted and husband Jim, Centralia; and one great-nephew, Duke.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Barbara Wonneman and Joan Jody Miller; and one grandson, Noal Evan Hammontree.