Rae Sylvia Whitehead

Our sweet mom, Rae Whitehead, left this world 7/26/24 after living with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. Rae (Sylvia Rae) was born 03/15/34 in Yakima WA to Kenneth and Kathleen (Petterson) Riggle. Her brother Pete joined her 4 years later. Rae knew her husband Ed for 65 years and they had a truly special marriage that spanned 58 years and produced 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.

Rae Baby (as our dad called her) is reunited with her best friend and love of her life (her words) Easy Ed. She has also been welcomed by her first-born Scott, her Granddaughter Whitney, more lifelong friends then we can list, her parents and many beloved relatives, especially her Aunt Vera. She is survived by 4 of her children Greg (Janeen), John (Kristen), Wendy (Chris Johnson), and Sally (Kris Runestrand); Daughter in law Tracy; grandchildren Deanna (Aadam), Stefanie (Vern), Maddie, Kylie, Tim (Lizzy), Nick, Evan, Dane (Annelise), Jackie (Rick), Mikel, Levi (Ashley), Joshua (Tessa), Maghan (Roy), Kelly (Oscar), and Jesse (Madison); 22 Great-Grandchildren, brothers Pete Riggle (Gloria) and Chuck Barnhouse, sister Quaylin Barnes, many cherished nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Rae lived her life with grace, empathy, joy, and commitment. She shared her love of poetry, fresh baked bread, her appreciation of good food and good friends. She always saw the goodness in her life and believed she had the best fortune with the richness of her family and friends. She loved our dad with her whole heart and loved singing “A Good Man is Hard to Find” to her friends and children. She was just the best mom and human! She was an amazing grandma and her grandchildren adored her. 

Rae retired from Western Washington University’s Computer Center in 1992, leaving behind some great friends. She loved her retirement years looking out at the canal at Sandy Point, hanging on the deck with Sea Ranch friends, swimming with her grandkids, hosting the Whitehead annual 4th of July bash, and lots of time with her kids and their families. Her condo was always welcoming; filled with love, light, laughter. 

There will be a gathering to celebrate Rae's Life Sunday 9/01/24 at 2pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church 2117 Walnut St, Bellingham, WA. In lieu of flowers please make donations to World Central Kitchen.