Carolee Wilhite, 86, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 3:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.
She was born on December 15, 1936, in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of John Elmer and Margie Bernadine (Jacobs) Harris. On March 12, 1955, she married Ronald A. “Pappy” Wilhite in Kirksville, Missouri. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2007.
Survivors include her two sons: Ronald (Paula) Wilhite of Wever, Iowa and Lennie (Stacie) Wilhite of Donnellson, Iowa; two granddaughters: Jessica Major of North Liberty, Iowa and Ashley (Brent) Wilson of Washington, Iowa; two grandsons: Austin Wilhite of Donnellson, Iowa and Adam Wilhite of Donnellson, Iowa; five great grandchildren: Westin, Luke, Blake, Ryland and Carsten and one sister: Joyce Wait. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ron and sister: Dana.
Carolee was a member of the Donnellson United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She retired from Borg-Warner. She then worked at Raisin’ Em Up Day Care. She enjoyed reading, camping, traveling, gardening and her cat “Keyto”.
Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2023, at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri with Carolyn Pundt officiating.
Burial will be at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.
A memorial has been established in her memory for Donnellson Fire and Rescue or PAW Animal Shelter.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
