Claudell Whitney, 84, died Sept. 21, 2013, at Hospice House, Hutchinson, KS. She was born March 14, 1929, in Wichita, to Claude "Charlie" and Naomi Hosey.

She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1947. A resident of Hutchinson since 1947, she worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator. Claudell also worked for the Reno County Treasurer's Office and retired in 1991, after many years for T.E.C.H. Inc.

She attended rural elementary schools all over Kansas, Colorado, Missouri and Illinois as her father worked for the Missouri-Pacific and other railroads during her childhood. She joined the Red Hat Society group five years ago and had been an active member of the V.F.W. Bob Campbell Post #1361, and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #982.

On May 12, 1949, she married Hubert E. Whitney in Hutchinson. He passed away May 4, 1999.

Survivors include: two daughters, Jan Brown (Craig) of Lufkin, Texas, and Brenda Woelk (Keith) of Hutchinson; brother Wayne Hosey (Donna) of Topeka; four grandsons, Chris Brown, Robert Brown, Paul Woelk and Chad Woelk; three great-grandchildren, Anna, Gavin, and Owen Woelk; and 18 nieces and nephews.

Claudell was preceded in death by: her parents, husband, two sisters and a brother.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Dr. Russell Hosey officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Monday with the family to receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice House, or V.F.W. Bob Campbell Post #1361, both in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 North Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.