Helen M. Whitney, 93

Mapleton/Delavan – Helen Whitney, age 93, of Mapleton passed away Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the Mapleton Community Home in Mapleton. Funeral services were held Monday, April 5 at Hope United Methodist Church, Rev. Lee Miller officiated. Burial was at Rice Lake Cemetery. Online condolences can be left, and a recorded service can be viewed at www.pattonfh.com

Helen Mae was born in Lura Township, Faribault County on Oct. 24, 1927 to Glenn and May (Megaw) Langworthy and grew up on farms near Delavan and attended country school, graduating with high honors from Delavan High School in 1945. During these years, she was very active in 4-H, being a Jr. Leader, later in life an adult leader. On Nov. 11, 1945 she was united in marriage to Wayne Thomas Whitney. They spent 42 years farming the family “century” farm. In 1968 they built their new farmhouse. Helen was an active member of Delavan Methodist Church before it closed, serving on many committees; Sunday School teacher, youth group counselor, UMW and Circles. She was also an officer in the PTA, music parents and a true supporter of her daughters in all their school activities. She was also a member of the Lura Social Club, Birthday Club and Project Group. She later became a member of the Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth.

In 1987 she and her husband retired spending winters in south Texas and their summers in Clear Lake, Iowa. Their time was spent square dancing, traveling to conventions, visiting friends they had met, even to New York, Nova Scotia and Canada. They also enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, trips to Hawaii and a bus trip to Alaska. A special gift from their children was a trip to Ireland with their four daughters and a son-in-law accompanying them. In 2012 she moved to an apartment in Winnebago after the death of her husband of 63 years.

Helen so enjoyed her 10 grandchildren, cherished her 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, cats and dogs were special friends also. In her “spare” time she was always busy cooking, baking, sewing and doing yardwork.

Helen is survived by her four daughters: Judith (Leon) Werner, of Marshall, Diana (Glen) Skogen, of Delavan, Paula (Robert) McCue, of New Prague and Patti (Guy) DeLeon, of Red Wing; her 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her brother, Harley Langworthy.