Gwen A. Whitney was born July 29, 1933 at Almont N. D. to Ingeborg & Fritzof . Trovik.  She passed from this life Thursday March 29, 2012 at the age of 78 years and 8 months, at The Community Care Home in Clifton , Ks. She was a true Scandinavian. Her father and family immigrated to the United States from Norway , and her mother's family from Denmark . Gwen graduated from Almont High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1951, and  then attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College in Miltonvale , Kansas .  She married Rex Whitney from Concordia on December 27, 1952 at the Almont Wesleyan Church .  To this union three children were born:  Donald R., Daniel L., and Debra A. After their marriage, Gwen taught in three Cloud County rural schools: Aurora Center , Minersville, and District 11, before becoming a full time mom. In 1972 she began working at the Cloud County Community College Library and soon became director and supervisor of the audio-visual department there.  She held that position until December of 1989 when ill health forced her to resign.  She loved her work and had a wonderful relationship with the teachers and students at the college. She led, loved and influenced many while there with her beautiful life and testimony. Gwen also loved her church and the Sunday School students and classes that she was deeply involved with.  She served as director of the  CYC children's work and programs for many years in the Wesleyan church.  She had a song in her heart, but it came out of her fingers as she played piano and organ for the churches where she was a member. She was cared for at her home by her husband with the help of the Cloud County Health department nurses until she entered the nursing home on May 1, 1995. Alzheimer's disease is a cruel taskmaster, but she has finally been freed to enjoy eternal peace and life with her Lord and Savior whom she so dearly loved, and served since childhood.  Gwen is survived by her husband Rex of Concordia, son Don of Olathe, Ks. Son Dan and wife Mary of Wichita, Ks, Daughter Deb and husband Drake Johnson of Fresno, Ca. two granddaughters, Stacy and Raeann  Whitney and one grandson, Parker Whitney. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Mon. April 2, 2012 at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home with Rev. Dean R. Frazier officiating. Visitation will be from 12-8 PM, Sun. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery , Concordia. The family suggests memorials to the Gideons.

"Blessed are they who die in the Lord."