Louise Whalen

Helen Louise Whalen, 93, passed away in Abilene, Texas, on February 13, 2025. She was born in Rising Star, Texas, to Baird and Susie Placker on February 11, 1932, the youngest of seven children. She was raised in a Christian home, which instilled a love for those around her and a deep commitment to God.

She grew up on a farm in Sipe Springs, just outside of Rising Star, Texas, and received her associate's degree from Cisco Jr. College in Cisco, Texas. She met and married Floyd James (Sonny) Whalen in Abilene, Texas, on October 28, 1954. They raised seven children and celebrated over 60 years of marriage. She loved to garden, sew, read her Bible, and walk. In her final years, if she wasn't inside reading her bible, she was outside walking. Louise believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior and faithfully attended church from an early age until her passing. She was known for her love for God and as the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. She opened her heart and home to people in need, always putting others first, giving love, and receiving it in return. Louise will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her children, Andy, Michael and wife Robin, Jamie and wife Jane, Linda Wright and husband Dave, Ronnie, Karen Gibson and husband David, Deanna Bredbenner and husband Derek, and grandchildren Kaytlin, Mackenzee, Jason, Joshua, Jonathan, Seth, Sara, Reid, Chase, Cale, Carmen; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and many other friends and family who loved her dearly.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at South Side Baptist Church, 1425 S. 7th St., in Abilene, Texas, with Chaplain Bobby Towell officiating. Burial will be at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Rd., at 1:00 PM.

"You can get glad in the same shoes you got mad in."