Connie Egley Whittle

Our beautiful angel mother, Connie Lue Egley Whittle, peacefully took her last breath, with all 10 of her children by her side, on November 16, 2023, at 93 years young.  We were there for her as she has always been for us.  Mom was born July 23, 1930, to goodly parents, George Frederick and Annie Elizabeth Egley, in Mink Creek, Idaho. She lost her mother when she was 11 years old and was raised by her older sister, four older brothers and father on their farm. Her grandparents were Swiss and Danish immigrants who settled in Mink Creek.  She fondly recalled her grandparents yodeling in the canyon where their farm was located. She longed for her Egley family, that mountain home and the farm of her youth for the rest of her life.

Mom married Lee M. Whittle on September 18, 1952, and later divorced. She raised her ten children primarily on her own in Brawley, California. She adored her children, and her children adored her. She lived a Christlike life and taught her children to try and do the same. She was humble. She modeled the blueprint of life for us. Due to her great faith and being valiant she experienced many miracles while raising her children. Her fervent prayers for her family continued all her life.  She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was a loyal and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in the church all her life but loved most teaching the Primary children. She was a long-time ordinance worker in the San Diego LDS Temple.  Mom was famous for taking her homemade bread to her beloved neighbors and many friends. She was known for her service to others as well as her unconditional love and acceptance of all. She said that everyone deserves a second chance.

Mom worked as a legal secretary before she was married.  She could type 120 words a minute and won a typing contest for her speed.  We were blessed to have a fulltime devoted mother. After her youngest child was pretty much raised, she took a job at the Methodist Church in a nearby town where she worked as an Administrative Assistant to the Pastor for 15 years. When she retired, a banquet was held in her honor to recognize her excellent work and dedication. All 10 of her children attended the memorable event.

Mom enjoyed life right up until she became sick three days before her death. She felt lucky to have traveled the world with our brother, Will, and many of her grandchildren while she was in her 70s and 80s. She had a very sharp and active mind and would read good books and do crossword puzzles into the wee hours of the morning – every night. She watched a few game shows to help keep her mind intact. She loved to play Words with Friends with some of her grandchildren and friends. Much to their surprise, grandma would usually beat them. She would often comment on her grandchildren’s Facebook posts with encouraging words. She loved to hear her children/grandchildren and their friends laugh and had a clever sense of humor.  She was famous for her April Fool’s jokes and birthday cards to each member of her family every year until recently. She loved to crochet and supplied beautiful afghans for every wedding and new baby in the family and left a stack for the new babies that are coming soon. She took up the art of painting (Paint by Numbers) when she was 90 years old and completed many stunning works of art.  Most significant were paintings of the Savior Jesus Christ that our brother, Will, framed for her, and that she gifted to each of her ten children and many friends.

We are eternally grateful for our brother, Will, who moved back home many years ago to live with our aging mother. He then purchased her home to take that worry from her.  Will and mom were perfect companions.  Will was always there making sure mom’s needs and safety were taken care of, including deliciously cooked Sunday dinners. Mom loved these past several years with Will.  We are also grateful for our brother, Dana, who lived near her, and called mom every day to check on her. Mom treasured those daily calls.

We are so grateful for the tender and excellent care given by her nurses, Elisa and Manuel, and other members of the medical team at Pioneers Memorial Hospital – they made her last few days comfortable for all of us.

Survived by her children, Cathryn McCann (Bob), Dana Whittle, Diana Brewer (Rick), Lee Whittle (Jeanette), Mark Whittle (Robin), George Whittle (Katie), Barbara Jongeward (David - deceased), Connie Gardner (Don), William Whittle, Thomas Whittle (Stephanie), 34 Grandchildren and 84 Great Grandchildren with three more on the way.  We each knew that she was our #1 fan.

Memorial Service will be held at Frye Chapel & Mortuary, 799 South Brawley Ave. in Brawley, California, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Family will gather for her interment at the Mink Creek Cemetery in Idaho on December 16^th at 1 p.m. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com