Ruth "sailor" Whitaker of Evansville, IN has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved her.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Memory has a way of softening time.
Ruth Whitaker, age 89, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on April 23, 2026. She was born on June 8, 1936, in Owensboro, Kentucky, and lived a life marked by love, devotion, and a warm spirit that touched everyone who knew her.
Ruth was a devoted Christian whose faith was an important part of her life. She was a proud and loving homemaker who found great joy in caring for her husband, children, and family. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and good food, and she created a welcoming atmosphere that reflected the kindness and generosity for which she was known.
She met the love of her life, Samuel Whitaker II, in a story that became one of the sweetest parts of her life. Ruth heard him playing his music on the radio and immediately called the station to find out how to meet him. That chance moment began a lifelong love story. Ruth and Samuel were together ever after and shared more than 70 years of marriage filled with devotion, companionship, and mutual care.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Whitaker II, her sister Phyllis, and her sister-in-law Virginia Keene. She is survived by her daughter Margaret Whitaker; her daughter Patty Whitlow and husband Richard; and her son Samuel Whitaker III and wife Bonnie. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Rachel Whitlow Bowman, Nathan Whitlow, Samuel Whitaker IV, Owen Whitaker, and Megan Whitaker, as well as six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great pride and happiness.
Those who knew Ruth will remember her as loving, generous, and funny. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always laughing and making jokes, earning her the affectionate nickname of "sailor." She had a gift for making others feel at ease and could brighten a room with her smile and her quick wit. Her laughter was one of the many things that made her unforgettable.
Ruth especially enjoyed cooking, and she was known for her amazing chili and sweet tea. She loved to sew, and she found comfort in watching the Food Network and her favorite soap operas, especially General Hospital. Music was also a beloved part of her life, and she especially enjoyed country music, with Ronnie Milsap among her favorites. She also had a special fondness for food, and pizza in particular could bring out her playful side, often making her dance with delight when she got some.
Ruth had a deep love for her German Shepherd, Tasha, whom she cared for tenderly. She even made sure Tasha had chicken thighs every night, a reflection of the affectionate and devoted way she cared for those she loved. Her life was filled with simple joys, steadfast love, and the kind of everyday devotion that leaves a lasting legacy.
Ruth Whitaker will be remembered as a woman of faith, a devoted wife and mother, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Her loving nature, generous heart, and funny spirit will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever. Though her presence will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to bring comfort to those who were blessed to know her.
The family would like to thank Brentwood Nursing Home and Gentiva Hospice for their care.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth, please visit our floral store.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery
