Obituary of Pearl Lulu Whitney

Granville, NY - Pearl L. Whitney, age 97, passed away at her home on April 5, 2024 following a long life. Pearl was born on February 18, 1927 in Granville, NY the daughter of the late George and Lulu (Cooper) VanGuilder. She was raised in the Slyboro area. She and Art were childhood friends. They went ice skating, sledding and summer games. They fell in love, married and shared a love that sustained 70 years. Art and Pearl instilled in their family the meaning of love, marriage and family. They lived it every day as a shining example. Pearl left school at 16 and immediately started her working career. Though she was a mother to seven children, she was never idle. She held many jobs over the years and always pulled much more than her weight. She also found time to get her GED. Pearl attended many square dances and performances of Art's band, as did the family. Pearl enjoyed deer hunting. As she treked off in the woods during hunting season, Art went along for the enjoyment of her company, as he wasn't the hunter in the family. They spent many years together raising their family and working, but the world beyond Slyboro opened up when they retired. They took many trips throughout the continental United States, and traveled to Africa twice, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Alaska and Ireland to name but a few. Pearl was predeceased by her parents, two sons Ron and Earl, her siblings and her beloved husband Art. She is survived by five children: Joy Lemke (Paul), Jan "Sweetie" Whitney (Pat "Wack" Nolan), Deborah VanVranken (Tim Smyth), Dennis Whitney (Carrie) and Peter Whitney (Sue). She was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Kim Stannard, Joe Matteson, Jill Rafferty, Jami Whitney, Chad Whitney, Jeremiah Whitney, Christopher Whitney, Damon "Josh" Straw, Michael Willis, Michael Whitney, Nicholas Whitney, Danielle Allen and Jennifer Whitney. Also great grandchildren and great great grandchildren numbering in the double digits. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13th at Noon at the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St., Granville, NY. The celebration of Pearl's life will continue from 1-3 at the Hartford Firehouse. Vistitation will be on Friday, April 12th at the funeral from 4-7 pm. Those wishing to remember Pearl can make donations in her name to the Granville Rescue Squad, POB 153, Granville, NY 12832. Online condolences may be made at www.robertmkingfuneralhome.com.