Mary Ellen Whitener, age 79, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025.  She was born on January22, 1945 in Louisville, Kentucky.

She was retired from Dismas Charities as a resident monitor.  She loved watching the UK Wildcats play basketball, the Kentucky Derby, and playing Bingo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Big Bob” Whitener; step-son, Daniel Whitener; and parents, Joseph and Mary Louise Carrier.

Mary Ellen leaves to cherish her memory  three daughters and one step daughter: Contance "Connie" Louise Lukat, Kimberly Ann Daily, Bobbie Jo Hollar (Anthony) and Brenda Whitener Miles;  grandchildren: Craig, Brittany, Brian, Joey, Samantha, Gareth and Ashley (Joey); great-grandchildren: Joey Jr., Jayden, Cheyenne, Derrick, Paityn, Patrick, Reese, Joelle, Margo, Ayla and Anya and lifelong friends, Judy Johnson, Mary Jo, Linda, and Mary.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until  7 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, and from 9 a.m. until time of the service Friday at Legacy Funeral Center – Schoppenhorst, 1832 W Market Street. Funeral services will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at Legacy Funeral Center- Schoppenhorst with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens West..