May Dell Whitehouse

May Dell Whitehouse, age 88, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. She was born on September 18, 1937, in Gravel Switch to the late Henry Riley and Pauline Mullins.

A devoted homemaker, May Dell lived a life rooted in faith, family, and simple joys. She had a passion for sewing, kept a thriving garden, and was well known for her skill in canning — filling her pantry with the fruits of her labor and her home with warmth.

She married the love of her life, the late Charles Thornton Whitehouse, with whom she shared many wonderful years. Together they raised two sons: Mark Whitehouse (Mary Beth) and Robert "Bob" Whitehouse (Cheryl), who carry on her legacy of strength, kindness, and family devotion.

May Dell was a beloved grandmother to four grandchildren, Bobby, Chris, Drew and Eric; and a proud great-great-grandmother to ten. Her family was her greatest pride, and she took joy in every moment spent with them.

She is also survived by her brother, Sammie Riley, and her sister, Christine Sapp, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and one particularly loyal neighborhood cat named “Blackie.”

May Dell was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles Thornton Whitehouse; her brother, Clarence Riley; and her sisters Hazel Stewart, Katheryn Powell, and Virginia Ruth Murphy.

Those who knew May Dell will remember her gentle spirit, her quiet strength, and her open heart. She was a steady presence in her community and her home, always ready with a kind word, a warm meal, or a helping hand.

A visitation will be held at Legacy Funeral Center – Nunnelley Chapel at 4327 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville, Kentucky 40215 on Friday, October 3 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM with a funeral service at 1:30 PM on that day. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Garden in Mt. Washington, Kentucky.

In honoring May Dell’s memory, may we find inspiration in the way she lived—with grace, gratitude, and deep love for those around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society. 

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