Frances LaVonne Whitaker VonTress, 102, of Greencastle, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
Born February 1, 1923, in Greentown, IN, the daughter of Wilbur and Irene (McCammack) Crawley.
Frances married James L. Whitaker on June 17, 1941, and together they owned and operated Whitaker’s Diner in Dana, IN until 1985. She was a former member of the Women of the Moose Lodge #1592 and VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post # 1550, Greencastle.
She was preceded in death by her husbands James Whitaker and Lester VonTress; brothers Randall, Glendon, Jack, and William Crawley; sisters Louise Williams and Arlene Parham; stepsons Royce and Roland Cavin and stepdaughter Rhea Cannon
Frances is survived by her sons James (Sheryl) Whitaker and Max (Jeannette) Whitaker; daughter Pamela Sue Steele: stepsons John (Kathy) VonTress and Jerry VonTress; stepdaughter Teresa VonTress; grandchildren Lisa (Dan) Newbrough, Jimmy (Anoushka) Whitaker, Anthony Whitaker, Donald Whitaker, Robyn (Rick) Ganly, Kellie (Mike) Lowry, and Elizabeth (Jorge) Senisse; several great and great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until time of service.
Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the donor’s favorite charity in memory of Frances.
