Ellen Dee Whitmer, a resident of Chillicothe, MO passed away May 23rd, 2026, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe. She had a long life filled with much joy shared with family and friends. She was an educator by heart and had a very sweet spirit to serve others. Ellen loved spending time with her family, especially her six Grandchildren and 15 Great Grandchildren who lovingly called her Grammy. She used her hands whether sewing each daughter's Wedding Dress- such a special gift, quilting each Great Grandchild's baby
blanket- what a treasure, embroidered tea towels for church silent auctions, and creating all family member Christmas Stockings, crafting costumes and garments for grandkids, and making clothes for her daughter's Barbie dolls- her handiwork was impeccable. She scrapbooked unique Albums for each grandchild from birth with all their life highlights through High School graduation-Quite a forever gift for each Grandchild. Ellen followed her own mother's footsteps as she spent many summer hours using her hands in her yard to nurture the most beautiful flower gardens. Her greatest smiles came from attending all the many diverse activities of her Grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event and oh how she loved her Bone Crushers and Hornets!
Ellen Dee (Shadduck) Whitmer was born February 9, 1930, in Cameron Mo to Elma and Forrest Shadduck. She was a 1948 graduate of Cameron High School. Ellen was united in marriage to Gene Austin Whitmer of Hamilton, MO on August 6, 1950, at the Cameron United Methodist Church. They enjoyed 72 wonderful years of life together. Gene preceded her in death, September 12, 2022.
Ellen's work in Education began as Secretary to the Dean of Men at NWMO State College in Maryville, MO; two years as Secretary and Bookkeeper for the Osborn School District; Office Secretary at the Trenton High School and College. Ellen received her associate's degree from Trenton Junior College (NCMC) in May 1963. Whitmer's moved to Richmond, MO in 1964. She received her B.S. in Elementary Education August of 1969 from the University of Missouri (MU) and then taught at the 6th grade level for 10 years. The Whitmer family moved to Chillicothe, Mo where Ellen taught for 13 years for the Chillicothe R-II School District beginning at Dewey School and later at Central School. She retired in May of 1990.
Ellen was of member of Chillicothe United Methodist Church where she taught 5th Grade Sunday School for 16 years, member of the Naomi-Ruth Circle (Dorcas-Lydia) and Suzanna Circle where she cherished many friendships over the years. Ellen served as Secretary and kept the Historical/scrapbook for many years for Chillicothe Culture Club, Chapter T PEO and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was President of Livingston County Retired Teachers Assoc and served on the Scholarship Committee for several years. Ellen was a Community Volunteer for the 55 and Go Program where she was recognized as the Volunteer of the year in 2018. She was honored by Rotary International as a Paul Harris Sustaining Member for her contribution to the Charitable and Educational Programs.
Ellen is survived by her 2 daughters, Mary Ellen (Dowell) Kincaid, Terri Jean (Troy) Figg both of Chillicothe, MO. 6 Grandchildren: Scott (Laura) Kincaid of Ames, IA; Staci (Nate) Wright of Roeland Park, KS; Travis (Meghann) Figg of Columbia, MO; Trent (Tori) Figg of Caledonia, MI; Taryn (Cody) Schumacher of Keller, TX; Ty (Lillian) Figg of Columbia MO. 15 Great Grandchildren: Leah, Austin, Cole, Jenna Kincaid of Ames, IA; Andrew and Anna Wright of Roeland Park, KS; Avery, Wesley, Bowen Figg of Columbia, MO; Titus, Thomas, Tobias Figg of Caledonia MI; Brynlee, Bennett and Blair Schumacher of Keller, TX; sister, Elma Joy Larimer, Centennial, CO; Sister-in-law, Merle Shadduck, Peculiar, MO; along with several nieces and nephews.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gene, sister, Doris Cornelius and brother, Paul Shadduck, 2 nephews- Michael Shadduck, Johnny Larimer.
A visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. A private family graveside service will follow. Friends may sign the register book at Lindley Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the United Methodist Preschool and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.