Whitaker, J. “Susie”

Susan J. “Susie” Whitaker, 57, of New Baden, died December 6, 2013 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was born November 9, 1956 in Highland daughter of Richard H. “Rich” and Marcella M. (Billhartz) Rakers. She married Fred B. Whitaker October 1, 1977 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden and he survives in New Baden. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Trevor (Kelly) Whitaker of Mascoutah, Tara (Jeff) Schmitt of Trenton, and Tyler Whitaker of New Baden; two grandchildren, Jaxon Whitaker and Kylee Whitaker; five sisters, Kathy Rakers, Cindy Monical, and Martha Heinzmann all of New Baden, Colette (Russell) Knobeloch of Belleville, and Marietta (Don) Santel of New Memphis; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cindy & Gary Bender of VA, Todd & Cheryl Whitaker of Trenton, Kathy & Dan Klucker and Tina Whitaker all of Salem; she is also survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth R. “Kenny” Rakers; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Flo Whitaker. Mrs. Whitaker was an auditor for the USDA in St. Louis, MO before her retirement on December 1, 2012. She enjoyed going to casinos and taking care of her grandkids. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden with Rev. Dale Maxfield officiating. Friends may call from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to her grandchildren’s education fund or to the Donor’s Choice and will be received at the funeral home.