Oct. 7, 1917- Sept. 3, 2008

Margaret Elaine Whitt, 90, of Corvallis died Wednesday at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 7, 1917, in Yakima, Wash., she was the daughter of Horace and Christine Jensen Channing. Margaret graduated from Dietz Business College and was employed for many years as a private secretary for the State of Washington.

Margaret moved to Corvallis 13 years ago to be near her family. She had a passion for sports, poetry writing, politics, music and art, performing with the O. K. Chorale, Corvallis Recycling Band and also led the "sing-alongs" at the Senior Center. In her leisure time, she enjoyed crocheting, reading and especially painting. She was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and also served as the secretary of the Benton County Senior Foundation. She will be remembered for her love of her family; her gentle, loving spirit and touch; her leadership and volunteer activities; and for her great sense of humor with the ability to even laugh at herself.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Whitt; her parents; her brother, Donald Channing; and her sister LaVerne Gwinn. Margaret is survived by her four daughters, Susan E. Barrett and her husband, Bill, of Greenville, Tenn.; Christine Forsyth and her husband, Jim, of College Place, Wash.; Linda Martinsen and her husband, John, of Corvallis; Dawn E. Madden of Corvallis; nine grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorial donations in Margaret's name may be directed to a charity of choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Timberhill Place, 989 N.W. Spruce Ave. in Corvallis. Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.mchenryfuneralhome. com.