Obituary of Marjorie Gwendolyn Wilhite

We say good-bye to a truly kind and generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, colleague, and friend. Marjorie Wilhite, who passed away on July 1, 2022 in Iowa City, was born November 19, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas, the daughter of Homer Gleckler and Gwendolyn (Thomas) Gleckler. She graduated from Wichita East High School in 1953 before graduating from the University of Wichita in 1956 with a degree in mathematics. While in college she married her sweetheart and husband of 66 years, Charles Wilhite. Mrs. Wilhite had several meaningful careers. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, first in Wichita and then in Sheridan, Wyoming where she enjoyed the mountains and beautiful countryside. She and her family moved to Iowa City in 1964. In 1970, she returned to school and earned a Master of Library Science degree. Her first job was Head of the Math Library at the University of Iowa. She was later promoted to Head of Serials and Acquisitions at the Main Library at the University of Iowa. Her thirty-year career as a librarian was, perhaps, the most satisfying years of her life during which she balanced her home and family life with her professional life. She found her work engaging and challenging, and enjoyed the professional relationships with her colleagues, some of whom became lifetime friends. Before and after retirement, she enjoyed performances at Hancher and other theatre and music venues on campus as well as University of Iowa sports and Chicago Cubs baseball. She was an avid pianist and playing Bridge with her dear friends was a favorite pastime. Mrs. Wilhite is survived by her son Chris and his wife Sue of Albuquerque, NM; her daughter Connie of Miami, NM; her son Jim and his wife Carlota of Bellevue, WA; her son Jeff of Iowa City; and her granddaughter Noelle of Basalt, CO. She is also survived by her sister Mary of Burlington, VT. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Wilhite and her parents. A very special “thank you” goes to her son, Jeff. Her greatest wish during the final years of her life was to remain at home where, from her living room she could watch the birds, the deer and the other wildlife meander through the yard, with the river, the park and much of Iowa City in the background. Jeff provided round-the-clock personal and professional care and was her constant companion during this time. Thank you also to Iowa City Hospice whose care and professionalism were very meaningful in the last weeks of her life. Graveside services for family and friends will be held at 10 am Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City. Following this a time of fellowship will be held at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service to share Marjorie’s life among those in attendance. For a complete obituary, to share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service @ www.gayandciha.com.