Obituary of Flora Marie Hoy Whaley

Flora Marie Hoy Whaley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on Oct. 4, 2016 at the age of 100. She was born in Gideon, Mo., on July 15, 1916, to Louis Benjamin and Lucille (Burks) Hoy and was the second of their three daughters. Flora graduated from Gideon High School and attended Southeast Missouri State Teacher's College in Cape Girardeau, Mo. After two years there, she was hired by the Gideon Schools as an elementary school teacher. During her third year of teaching, she became very interested in the new high school math teacher, who returned her interest. Flora and Robert Franklin Whaley were married on May 13, 1939. Through the ensuing years, Flora facilitated the necessary moves when a principal is advancing up the career ladder. As Bob and Flora were on the move, Flora gave birth to three sons. Their last move professional move was to Rochester, Minn., where Bob was principal at John Marshall High School. During this time, Flora took her roles as a principal's wife and as a mother very seriously. Besides being involved in her husband's and sons' activities, Flora had many interests of her own. She was active in the United Methodist Churches at each place they lived, and was a long time member of P.E.O. Flora volunteered in the Methodist hospital in Rochester for nearly 30 years; she and Bob also delivered Meals on Wheels. She loved to read and was in numerous book clubs. She was a skilled homemaker, home remodeler, knitter (including soft caps for hospital newborns), sourdough bread baker, and gourmet cook. She made a signature pink angel food cake. One of Flora and Bob's most treasured times together was their world travels, taking trips to Europe, Asia, Australia, and both Americas. In 2000, they moved to Duluth, where two of their sons lived, and they continued their volunteering and education. In the summer of her 100th year, she participated in two joyful occasions: her birthday party with all her descendents and many friends and the wedding of her granddaughter Elise Whaley to Donald Rigney. "Quite the shindig," according to Flo. Flora was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and her sisters Ramona Watson and Virginia Heise. Flora is survived by her three sons Robert Louis (Judy) of Kalamazoo, Mich., Wesley Hoy of Gladstone, Mo., and John Turner (Robin) of Knife River, Minn.; six grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren. Continuing her commitment to education, Flora donated her body to the Mayo Clinic for research and education. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. Oct. 21, in Hope United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Robert F. and Flora M. Whaley Memorial Education Scholarship, John Marshall High School, Rochester, MN. Checks should be sent to John or Robert Whaley. Sign the Guestbook