Lori Whitehead

Lori Whitehead was a woman who never shied away from letting those around her know they were supported, safe, and unconditionally loved. Her devoted love for her husband, children, family, and friends will be remembered and cherished.

The 1960s were characterized by great social changes. Many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. At the beginning of this promising decade in our nation’s history, folk music was evolving thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan, and The Beach Boys and The Beatles were growing in popularity. In 1963, Lori was welcomed home by her loving parents on October 23rd in Whidbey Island, Washington. Never one to complain, it seems incredibly fitting that she was born in what was known as the era of optimism.

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Lori lived a typical childhood of the times. Her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Active and on the go, Lori enjoyed participating in softball and was the prep star of the week. She also played the clarinet and marched with the high school band. Bowling became a highlight of her young and early adult life. She played in different leagues and won several trophies over the years. Outgoing and social, Lori made many lasting friendships during her growing years, and each of them being in each other’s weddings. Extremely close with her mother, Lori called her every day in her adult life, and passed that onto her own daughter, Ashley. Her start in the world of work was in banking. Lori worked as a bank teller for several years before she later accepted a position at Western Michigan University’s alumni department.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of John Whitehead, the man who stole her heart forever! John saw her shopping with a friend at his store, Quality Farm & Fleet. Lori ended up applying to work there, and John happened to be one of the managers. Developing a common interest in one another, they eventually started dating, and the rest was history! She and John were happily married for a remarkable thirty-eight years. They were the best of friends and raised two wonderful children, Ashley and Andrew.

As a mom, Lori was extremely devoted to raising her kids with the same encouragement and guidance as her parents. She left her early career to stay at home to raise her children and was always very supportive of her husband. Lori made sure each holiday was special. Christmas was her favorite, and she adored her children and filling their stockings with special surprises. Most years, they were so full they couldn’t be hung on the mantel and instead were laid on the floor! Christmas Eve was always spent at John’s family’s home, and Christmas Day was spent with Lori’s family. When 105.7, the local radio station, decided to start playing Christmas music the day after Halloween, Lori was over the moon! She loved having the songs playing throughout the house and car, and her favorite song of the season was All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey. In addition to the traditions of Christmas, Lori loved to throw pool parties for the neighbors. She loved bringing people together and making special memories. Her kids enjoyed these special years and kept a close relationship with her throughout their adult lives.

Beyond her role as a wife and mother, Lori enjoyed many special pastimes. She was great at solving puzzles and playing board games. Some of her favorite games were Scrabble, Catchphrase, and Trivial Pursuit. When it came to sports, including football, tennis, and basketball. She had quite a knack for choosing the teams in her NCAA Men’s basketball brackets each year. Impressive at picking the winners, she was once in the Top 100 in the country during March Madness. She and Andrew loved to talk about sports, and one year, she joined Andrew and Ashley at a New England Patriots game, sharing a hotel and making fun memories. She was also a Detroit Lions and Tigers fan, but the Patriots were the team that she and Andrew bonded over the most. Her favorite foods were anything with meat and potatoes, and a side of Heinz ketchup! She also loved to treat herself to Bimbo’s pizza, a favorite spot in downtown Kalamazoo! Over the years, she attended a few Christian churches throughout Portage and modeled on living her life by treating everyone she met with kindness.

Lori was a vibrant person who loved her family dearly. There simply wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for them. She had an immense love of life, Jesus, and modeled authentic and selfless giving to every person she met. Gone too soon, her generosity and tender-hearted spirit will be fondly remembered by her many special friends and loved ones for years to come. May all those who knew and loved her be comforted knowing that her memories are eternal. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. She brought joy to everyone she met and left behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation on Wednesday, June 25, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 26, at 11 AM at Southridge Church, 6726 Texas Drive, Kalamazoo.

Cremation has taken place. Celebrate Lori’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Association for Cancer Research.