August 25, 1932 – July 30, 2025
Catherine Ellen Harness Whipkey, or ‘Cathy’ to some of her friends, left us to be with her Lord and her late husband William R. Whipkey ‘Bill’ on July 30th, 2025. This was just the day before the 10-year anniversary of the death of the man to whom she was married for 63 years before his passing, and Catherine counted the 10 years after that as well for a total of 73 years as a faithful wife. We thought she would leave us on the day of the anniversary, but Mom always liked to arrive early wherever she went.
Catherine was born on August 25th, 1932 in Richland County, Illinois to Raleigh Clarice Harness & Iva Murriel Anthis. Catherine was the oldest girl, but the 4th in order of age among 10 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant sister Bernice Mae, and brothers Raleigh ‘Junior’ Harness, Harold Harness, Kenneth ‘Kenny’ Harness, Robert ‘Bob’ Harness, and Henry ‘Buddy’ Harness. Catherine is survived by brother Elmer Harness, and sisters Delores ‘Dee’ Mason, and Linda Ochs.
Catherine and Bill raised 2 daughters, Sharon K. Bayus and Patricia L. Westell, each of them giving her a grandson and a granddaughter. Sharon’s children are Christopher Michael Bayus and Deanna ‘Dena’ Rachelle (Bayus) Jouffray and husband Joshua ‘Josh’ Jouffray. Josh and Dena blessed Catherine with 4 great-grandchildren, Dylan Catherine 13 (is her namesake), Blair Evelyn 11, William Alexander 8, and Benjamin Allen 4. Patty’s children are Jeremiah Wiliam Rhodes and wife Kristina Rhodes, and Jaemi Lauren (Rhodes) Peterson and husband Stefan Peterson.
Catherine was a charter member of the Friendswood Methodist Church and served the Friendswood School District for 17 years. She loved to travel, especially visiting family and friends, and never met a stranger. Catherine had a wonderful sense of humor and met the world with a glorious smile. She was a dedicated wife and mother, staying home with Sharon and Patty until Patty was 18 years old before returning to work at FISD. She adored her grandchildren and couldn’t wait to spend time with them. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546.
A funeral will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Friendswood Methodist Church, 110 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, Texas 77546 with Rev. Jim Bass officiating followed by a reception. A entombment will follow at 1:30 P.M. at Forest Park East Chapelview Mausoleum in Webster, Texas.
7 thoughts on “Catherine Ellen Harness Whipkey”
one of my mother’s favorite people – such a sweet lady! I’m sure there will be many people waiting for hugs.
Nancy J. Hixon
I met Catherine when I was just 19 years old…I went to be with Bud and Diane Harness…my sister and brother in law…she welcomed me like family…I lived in Houston for 2 years and had pleasant times with her and all the Harness family living there…I am 75 years old now and can still recall those times I was in her home with her and Bill and daughters.
Will miss you- Ms Cathy it was a pleasure to have know you, as well as being your server at La casita… Ms Cathy always came in smiling and always ready to hear how my day was going and always giving out free advice too 🥰.
My condolences to the family- and rest in peace Ms Cathy… love Oreo ( Maria Bejaran)
Will miss you- Ms Cathy it was a pleasure to have know you, as well as being your server at La casita… Ms Cathy always came in smiling and always ready to hear how my day was going and always giving out free advice too 🥰.
My condolences to the family- and rest in peace Ms Cathy… love Oreo ( Maria Bejaran)
Will miss you- Ms Cathy it was a pleasure to have know you, as well as being your server at La casita… Ms Cathy always came in smiling and always ready to hear how my day was going and always giving out free advice too 🥰.
My condolences to the family- and rest in peace Ms Cathy… love Oreo ( Maria Bejaran)
I wish someone would have let me know that Cathy had passed away. We were alway good friends and had coffee just about every morning at Shipley’s, first with our husbands and when they passed we still continued on. Was hard when she left Friendswood and Sharon moved her to San Antonio. Miss you Cathy and will meet you on the other side. Just happened to look on Jeter for a funeral tomorrow and came across your name.
❤️I wish someone would have let me know that Cathy had passed away. We were alway good friends and had coffee just about every morning at Shipley’s, first with our husbands and when they passed we still continued on. Was hard when she left Friendswood and Sharon moved her to San Antonio. Miss you Cathy and will meet you on the other side. Just happened to look on Jeter for a funeral tomorrow and came across your name.