Marybeth Whitaker-Null, 86 / Sept. 19, 1924 — July 17, 2011

Published 11:38 pm Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Marybeth Whitaker-Null, 86

Marybeth Whitaker-Null, 86, of Edwardsburg, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Benton Harbor.

She was born Sept. 19, 1924 to Virgil E. and Audrey L. (Dirr) Smith in Kendallville, Ind.

Marybeth was employed as a receptionist with the Cass County Sherriff’s Department for more than 10 years.

She enjoyed reading, working word puzzles, making crafts and most of all, spending time with her family.

Survivors include a daughter, Cindra Lou (Bob) Mikel of Cassopolis; son, Louis Charles Null II of Elkhart, Ind. She later met Floyd Marvin Whitaker and they were blessed with the birth of five more children to make the family complete: Beverly Susan (Wendell) Hochstetler of Middlebury, Ind., Carey Dean “Gary” Whitaker of Elkhart, Ind., Lynn Ellen (Larry) West of Buchanan, Marlene Kay (Donnie) Baxter of Vandalia, Dawn Marie (Tony) Russo of Benton Harbor, where she spent her remaining days in Dawn and Sunshine’s loving care; sister, Barbara Ann Divietro of North Carolina; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonia J. Himes; sister, Opal M. Bishop; brother, Howard W. Smith; and one great-granddaughter.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the 7 p.m. funeral service held Friday, July 22 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The Rev. Oscar Sheets will officiate. Cremation will follow the funeral services.

Memorial contributions may be made to any Humane Society of the donor’s choice, in memory of Marybeth.