Obituary of Waneta White

Waneta White, 98, died peacefully on February 25, 2022, at her home in Columbia, South Carolina. She was born on June 13, 1923 in Effingham, Illinois to Samuel and Alvina (Genaust) Marten.

Waneta graduated from Effingham High School and attended business college in Decatur, Ilinois. She married Voris White following WWII, and his work in the gas/oil industry took them to Big Run, Pennsylvania where they lived and raised their family. They were married for 53 years. She was the manager of the Big Run Elementary School Cafeteria until age 74. Waneta was an active member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Punxsutawney, PA where she taught Sunday School and was active in multiple church groups and activities. She was an avid bridge player.

In 2013, Waneta moved to Columbia, SC to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was an active member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church as well as several bridge and card clubs. She was famous for her delicious strawberry jam that she made every year. People were drawn to her positive, young-at-heart, and generous spirit and she lived her Christian faith in her daily life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Voris White, sister Ruby Garrett, brother-in-law David Garrett, and brothers

Raymond Marten, John Marten, and Leonard Marten. Waneta is survived by her son, Stephen White (Becky) of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; daughter Barbara Chesley (Richard) of Columbia, SC; niece Kay Reick (Hal) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Grandsons Chris White (Erin), Pat White (Jenny), and Ryan Chesley; Great-grandchildren: Taylor White, Jacob White, and Emmett Chesley, and Great nephew/niece; Michael Reick (Gayle) and Kristen Reick (Jason Medema).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 am at Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 1541 Lake Murray Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212. The family will greet visitors from 10:00 am – 11:00 am in the Parish Hall preceding the service.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Pastor Walt Harper, Lay Pastor Bill Boykin, Dr. Edgar DesChamps and Ali Corbin of Columbia Medical Group, the staff of Amedisys Hospice, BeWell Home Services, and Darlene Boston, nurse caregiver and friend.

The family request memorials be made to:

Lutheran World Relief

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1541 Lake Murray Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212

Martin Luther Lutheran Church – 230 N Penn St, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "tribute wall" tab above.