Obituary of Rita G. Whitney

Rita G. Whitney ALLEGANY --- Rita G. Whitney, 96, of Allegany, passed away Thursday (January 9, 2025) at Absolut Care of Allegany. Born July 4, 1928 in Olean, she was the daughter of Nelson G. and Maude Johnson Button. On December 11, 1944 in Westfield, she married Walter L. Whitney who predeceased her February 25, 2003. Rita was a graduate of Allegany High School and received her degree in nursing at Alfred University. She began her career at Allegany Nursing Home, then worked for a time at Olean General Hospital. After becoming a registered nurse, she returned to the Allegany Nursing Home until her retirement after 30 years. She was a lifetime member of the Five Mile Baptist Church and was a pianist and organist for the church. Her Christian faith was a centerpiece of her life, and she enjoyed her church family and often provided cookies for the children’s junior church. Rita loved being a homemaker, wife, and mother, and her family was the center of her purpose in life. Her legacy is having instilled love of God and one another to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She leaves behind three children, H. Mark (Kathy) Whitney, John N. Whitney, and Lynne A. Whitney, all of Allegany; an “adopted son”, Stan (Carol) Harris of Friendship; 10 grandchildren, M. “Jay” (Amy) Whitney of Keeseville, Jennifer (Eber) Kinne of Allegany, Kristine (Jason) Graham of Allegany, Lori (Ryan) Buckwalter of Halifax, PA, Nathan (Nicole) Whitney of Allegany, David Whitney of Wilmington, NC, James (Mary Grace) Whitney of Allegany, John (Rochelle) Whitney of Portville, Carrie (Cliff) Johnson of Olean, and Amy (Shannon) Gould of Olean; 26 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren, and two nephews, Larry (Kathy) Button of Allegany, and David (Kathy) Button of Haslett, MI. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Vernon Button, and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Whitney. The family will receive friends on Tuesday (January 14, 2025) from noon until 2pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Rd., Olean. A service will begin at 2pm in the funeral home, officiated by Rita’s grandson, Eber Kinne. Burial will be in Five Mile Cemetery, Allegany. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.