Isabel “Izzy” Anne Wellington Whipple, 88, of Weatherby Lake, MO passed away peacefully January 8, 2020 at the University of Kansas Hospital. She was born on December 29, 1931 in Chatham, NJ to Alexander and Mary (Kindergan) Wellington.
Izzy graduated from high school in Chatham NJ in 1950. As a young lady, Izzy left her home on the east coast and traveled to the midwest to attend Park College in Parkville, Mo. Izzy completed her BA graduating from Park College in 1966. She taught for 29 years as a high school science teacher at Park Hill High School, followed by another 9 years as an active substitute. She had high expectations and tough standards for her students, and many students have come back over the years and thanked Izzy for her toughness in preparing them for a successful college experience and future careers. She loved her cabin in Wyoming that she and her husband David had to build twice (the second time after it tragically burned down in 1993). She loved spending time with her family, dogs and cats at the cabin. She loved to fish & being out in the beautiful mountains in northwestern Wyoming. She also loved taking care of her yard at her home at Weatherby Lake. It was a common sight to see Izzy out on her John Deere lawn tractor mowing or working in the yard or walking her dogs. She loved her animals and a pair of dogs and cats was common for Izzy. She particularly had a soft spot for rescue animals as her dogs and cats at the time of her death were rescue animals. She was a longtime member of Parkville Presbyterian Church.
While attending Park College Izzy met the love of her life, a young lawyer who had recently been elected as the Mayor of Parkville, Mo. At the time Clyde “David” Whipple was the youngest mayor in the entire metropolitan Kansas City area. Izzy and David were married on December 26, 1953. David preceded her in death on September 22, 2008. In addition to David and her parents, Izzy was preceded in death by two brothers, Alex and Charles. Izzy is survived by three children: David W. Whipple and wife, Jill of Independence, MO, Anne Whipple LaMar and husband, Rick of Overland Park, KS, and Lynn Whipple of Montrose, CO; and 7 grandchildren, Kristan, Amie, Daniel, Timothy, Jonathan Whipple, Ashlee LaMar Welter and Brandon LaMar along with her two beloved dogs Dolly and Skittles; and cats Silly Dilly and Raleigh.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2019, at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, at the Parkville Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, Great Plains SPCA Pet Adoption or Park County Animal Shelter, 5537 Greybull Highway, Cody, WY 82414.
So sorry to hear this. Izzy was a great friend and mentor. We enjoyed visiting the cabin in Wyoming. We have many good memories of fun times there with Science Department friends. She was a great hostess. We are in Florida for the next two months so we will be unable to attend services. Our hearts go out to family.
Memories of her smile, personality and caring are hopefully a comfort to family, friends and colleagues.
When I first joined the faculty at PHHS in the early 80’s, one of the people I immediately felt drawn to and grew to respect was Izzy. Over the years my respect for her never diminished. She left a wonderful legacy as a tremendous professional.
We will miss our visits with Izzy in Sunlight. We were blessed to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
We know her spirit is in Sunlight Basin. Izzy and Dave introduced and befriended us in their space in WY. She was a strong supporter in difficult times in “old ParkHill” days!!
Dennis & Barbara Chiles
Such a Classy Lady with a Wicked Sense of Humor, the World has lost a really Excellent Human.
When I started work at the High School she was a light that melded with her humor. Peace and comfort to her family and friends.
Izzy was an institution at Park Hill High School and helped me from the very start as a new teacher to “find my way” — when we joined as class co-sponsors just 46 years ago! She was a best friend, mentor and leader. Those students who learned from her will always remain her legacy. Knowing her and her family, enjoying in her hospitality in Missouri and Wyoming is a debt I can’t repay. My condolences to the kids. I’ll drink a toast of scotch in her memory every Thanksgiving!
Mrs. Whipple was a favorite teacher of this 1980 PH grad. She always had time to talk and encourage any way she could. I too was introduced to Sunlight Valley through her and Mr. Whipple. Much respect for both of them. My prayers are with her family. She will be missed.
I will always think of Izzy with a smile. I am grateful to have known her and worked for her. She was the reason I was hired at Park Hill HS. She was in charge of the North Central Evaluation in 1977 and I was her secretary. She was the best of the Best. Rest well Izzy!
Mrs Whipple was a wonderful teacher. She helped me explore my love for science. I pray for peace and comfort for her family and friends.
Mrs. Whipple was such a kind, patient teacher. I was fortunate to have her as my biology teacher in 1979. Her love of learning and dedication to her students made her one of the very best. My thoughts are with her family.
I was also very fortunate to have Mrs. Whipple as my teacher, my neighbor at Weatherby Lake and the wonderful hostess of Sunlight Basin, WY adventures. She was very much adored by my classmates, the North Land Community and all those who visited her in the mountains of Wyoming. To her wonderful family, my condolence.
.
I will miss her. When I worked at Park Hill I talked to her almost daily. A terrific lady with a sense of humor.
We will miss our fellow Sunlight neighbor who shared a love for the animals and outdoors that we have shared. Condolences from the Ridgway family.
Izzy taught Science and I taught Math in adjacent rooms at PHHS for several years in the 70’s. We taught a lot of the same students. She was so well respected by both students and faculty. She was always professional and so nice. God bless and my condolences to her family.
I thought I would be there this evening to express my condolences in person, but it was not to be. I first met Izzy when she and David were dating in 1952. She was so striking in appearance and fun to know. I will always remember the wonderful retirement party for Bill and I at David and Izzy’s house. I send my deepest sympathy to the family! May she Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory! Barbara Bucker
My sincerest condolences to the family – May God comfort your hearts during this time. She was a very memorable lady indeed! I graduated from Park Hill in 1973, along with Annie, and I can still remember her to this day as being my favorite teacher.
Rest In Peace Izzy. Your son, David Is an example of your Life. A wonderful father, husband and father in law.
I will never forget Mrs Whipple! She helped me sour to my passion of science and medicine. Dissecting a cat and rebuilding the skeleton is one of my fond memories of her class. I took numerous notes copied from her overhead projector praying I would do well on her tests. What an inspirational woman. I drive by Whipple Lane many times a year now to visit my parents house. I won’t forget Izzy Whipple.
Izzy was beautiful and such a lady. Loved our conversations in my hair salon.
My three daughters loved her as their teacher at Park Hill High School.
Peace be with you.
Sincere sympathy to her family.