Marie A. "Mary" Whiteing, 66

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Marie A. Whiteing affectionately known as “Mary” on Sunday, February 9, 2025 surrounded by her devoted family.

Born October 11, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska to Barbara DeLong and Roy Rouse, Mary began a life journey filled with purpose and resilience.

She spent her formative years in Omaha with her mother and three brothers, Michael, LeRoy, and Roy, where she attended Omaha North High School. She later made Aurora, Nebraska her home and spent many years there raising her family and forming deep and lasting friendships.

Mary was a dedicated mother to Mycol, Melissa, and Marcus, always placing family at the heart of everything she did. She was married for a brief time to Elmer Phelps before finding lasting love with her childhood sweetheart, Gerald Whiting, who she married on July 9, 1988; their love and companionship, were a source of strength and a true testament to partnership and devotion, spanning nearly four decades. 

Mary was a proud and loving grandmother “Nana” to 16 grandchildren and was overjoyed to welcome a great grandchild whom she adored beyond measure. Family was everything to Mary and she made sure those who she loved knew how much they meant to her.

In 2021, Mary experienced a life-changing moment when she discovered and was united with a long-lost sister. This unexpected and joyful reunion brought her immense happiness, filling a missing piece in her heart and bringing even more love into her life.

Mary was a gifted writer, specifically poetry, with dreams of one day being a published author. Throughout her life, she demonstrated remarkable versatility excelling in various career paths with her last role at Mutual of Omaha where she worked until her well earned retirement in 2023.

Her love for music, dancing and humor was infectious, and she lived her life to the fullest finding joy and simple pleasures chatting with friends, playing cards, listening to music and enjoying her Pepsi and chocolates. She had the rare ability to connect with people in a deep and positive way; with an open heart and welcoming arms, she turned friendships into family, leaving an unforgettable mark on everyone she met.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gerald Whiting; her children, Mycol (Ouzo) Phelps, Melissa (Scott) Groves, Marcus, (Thea) Phelps; her brothers, Michael (Juana) Davis, LeRoy (Mae) Rouse, Roy (Darlene) Rouse; her sister, Ellen (Tom) McMillan; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary is proceeded in death by her mother, Barbara Ostrander, stepfather, Myron Ostrander, and her father, Roy Rouse.

Her warmth, kindness and laughter will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. Though we mourn her passing, we find comfort in remembering the love and joy she brought to our world.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming months.
Cards and memorials may be directed to family.