Born: Friday Feb-03-1939
Died: Tuesday Dec-27-2022
Funeral: Monday Jan-02-2023

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

EILEENE WHITELEY
OAKLEY - Eileene Connolly Whiteley (83) passed away at her home in Oakley, ID, on December 27, 2022.

Eileene was born in Oakley on February 3, 1939, the second of three children born to John and Dorothy Connolly. She was raised in Oakley, and later in Twin Falls, ID, where she graduated as valedictorian at Twin Falls High and later worked at a law firm.

Eileene was sealed to Gary Whiteley on June 7, 1962, in the Salt Lake City temple. She and Gary lived in Oakley for their entire married lives, where they raised their children and grandchildren.

She was a lifelong active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in the church in many capacities including family history, and ward and stake Primary and Relief Society presidencies. Her service blessed families throughout the Oakley valley for many years.

She had a remarkable talent for quilting and counted cross stitch, and her beautiful pieces are found on the walls of her home and her families’ homes. Her family congregated in her home frequently with her wonderful cooking and canning projects. She leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, hard work, and dedicated service.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Leah Rae. She is survived by her husband, Gary, her brother, Larry (Pam), her two children, Jill Nilsen (Tom) and Scott Whiteley (Christina), her seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren (with one on the way).

Viewing will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Oakley Stake Center at 355 North Center Street. A viewing will also be held at the same location prior to the funeral from 10:00-10:45 a.m. with the funeral service on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held the following day at 9:00 a.m. at the Oakley Cemetery.

 

A live webcast of the funeral will be available at the following link : https://youtu.be/hizn8ttZEgY

Condolences:

My deepest condolences to the family of the sweetest and kindest woman. She always had a hand squeeze for me and a hug for Bill. Just a lovely person inside and out. May you feel her love always in your days to come......Doris Haines

My condolences to you all. Eileen was very supportive of me when I was a beginning teacher. Her children were great students and are wonderful Oakleyites. She was truly a gift to my little sister who lived next door The whole community will miss her....Sheila Adams

My condolences to you. Eileene was a sweet, loving girl. I knew her when we were 6 and 7 years old down in Twin. She was always happy, loving and helpful. Blessings on you and all your family.....Richard Williams

Eileen always so warm friendly great recipes and food and she would always share with us. Some of my family favorite dishes. She loved her Gary with all her heart. Raised warm wonderful children and grandkids. They all moved to be close to she and Gary. Those children and grandkids are the only chance we have of holding onto Gary. We will miss you but thank you for being in our lives....Jessie Whiteley

Sincere condolences to Gary and Eileen's family. The legacy she leaves behind is a testimony of her love and devotion to the things that matter most. I'm grateful for her example.....Jim Cooper

Having grown up around this great lady and her husband and family, I send my sincere condolences to them. She was truly a sweet lady with a great smile and a angel. May her family be blessed with comfort and love.....Joe Stringham

I truly love Eileene and Gary. Great close neighbors when raising my young children and so supportive of me when we both moved from farm to town. She taught me much; how to knit dish clothes, how to be Primary president, how to be a kind visiting teacher, how to love and not judge. I will miss her and send my love and condolences to Gary, Jill, Scott, and families.....Monica Jo Bessire Dorsey

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gary and his family. Eileene was a very special lady and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.....Al and Kathy Barrus

Thinking of you and your family at this time. What a beautiful lady inside and out, a true lady Eileene was. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.....Mark and Diane Bell

Eileene is the greatest example of true love of Christ ! ! She was a great influence in our life ! We loved being around her and Gary and feeling of their love and example ! Our prayers and love are with your families.....Al and Connie Elison

Knowing her for 50 years I never had a single interaction with Eileene in which I didn’t l feel welcomed and loved.....Greg Whiteley

My condolences to Gary and all the Whiteley family. You are in my thoughts and prayers....Carol Searle

Our sincere condolences to Gary, Jill, Scott and their families. Eileene always had a smile to greet you and make you feel welcome. We have lots of
fond, fun and faith building memories of our time spent with the Whiteley's. Our thoughts and prayers are with you…… Dee and Wendy Seamons

Gary, Jill and Scott and families, We send our love and condolences at this time. Eileene was always so pleasant and such a great support of her family and a shining example of her faith. May her memory help you through this time....Scott and Christine Horsley

Our sincere condolences to you Gary and all your family. Eileen was the kindest and sweetest person. Always had a smile. She will be greatly missed by all who ever met her. Wonderful lady...Derrahl and Faye Holmes

We love the Whitely family and our thoughts reach out to all of you!.....Scott and Marianne Yates

Eileene would be my cousin on my biological family side. My birth mother was Kathryn Connolly Bick.. Uncle John Connolly and Doroth is the relationship to me prior to adoption. May the wings of angels protect and keep the family together in Jesus name, Amen...Pam Wozniak aka Karen Lee Bick née Connolly