Marlene Whitson

Marlene C. (Patterson) Whitson, 92, of Leawood, KS, passed on Aug. 27, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Marice W. Ballesteros, Leawood, KS. Marlene was born Dec. 12, 1923, in Sicily Island, LA, the daughter of Johnathan Q. and Myrtle L. (Ervin) Patterson. They moved to Benton, KS when she was four, where she attended Oxford Elementary, Benton High School, and Wichita State University. She was an only child.
She and Merle E. Whitson of Benton, KS were united in marriage Jan. 25, 1942, and were married 66 years until his death in 2008. They moved to Wichita, KS, in 1942; then Kansas City in 1953, and to Fairway, KS in 1954.
She was an accountant for Armco Steel, a furniture store, then office manager of Meadowbrook Country Club for 33 years until she retired in 1993. She was very active in her church, Cherokee Christian, for over 40 years. She served as Chairman of the Board and held other board offices. She and Merle were active square dancers and belonged to several square dance clubs. They also had a great passion for KU Basketball and went to watch every game with friends and family.
Marlene is survived by two daughters and son-in-laws, Marice W. Ballesteros (Ricci) and Michelle W. Stone (Phil); grandchildren, Jose Ballesteros (Tara), Stevie Ballesteros, Stephanie Ballesteros Cahill (Brian), Phillip Stone and Logan Stone; and seven great grandsons.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Combs Chapel at Country Club Christian Church on Sat., September 10, 2016 at 10:30 AM. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Diabetes Assoc. or Country Club Christian Church in Marlene's name. Arr. Assurance Cremation Society, 860 West Blue Ridge Blvd., KcMo (816)941-2273