Lela Whitaker

Our beloved Mother, Lela Price Whitaker, departed this life on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, in the June Waddle Care Center in Somerset, Ky.  All 7 children and spouses plus several grandchildren were there surrounding her. We held her hands, kissed her face, rubbed her feet, but we never asked her to stay. She was ready to meet her Savior and her loved ones waiting there for her.  She loved her condo at The Neighborhood where she resided for the past several years.  Lela was born January 2, 1930 to Edna Dugger Price and Othel Price in eastern Pulaski County.  She was blessed with 7 children that all survive. Sonya Cundiff, Kathy(Garry) Sears, Rodney (Connie) Price, Beverly (Dale)Withers, Randy Price, Jeff (Kim) Price and Lisa (Rick) Sexton. In addition are her 10 loving Grandchildren, Jill (Ray) Smith, Shelley Gover, Holly Weddle, Tennille (Chris) Honeycutt, Autumn (John Tyler) Mofield, Tyler (Corie) Sexton, Jaysie (Landon) Smith, Whitnie (Zach) Hargis, Justin (Meghan) Price and McKinzie (Florian) Loutre. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, Peyton Gover, Hollyn Gover, Ellie Kate Weddle, Gracie Honeycutt, Riley Price, Jace and Miles Hargis, Sophie Loutre, Heath Price, Leah Smith, Lola and Lucy Sexton, Emery Mofield and bonus grandchildren Nena New, Braden Weddle,  Caleb Honeycutt and Ross Withers.. Lela is also survived by her special brother and sister-in-law, Eulis and Velma Price as well as another sister-in-law, Thelma Price and family and one special cousin, Eveleen Godby. 
One grandson, Jeffery Kevin Price, was tragically taken November 9, 2009 and her life was forever changed. She was also predeceased by her first husband, William Lloyd Price and second husband, Dearl Whitaker and brothers Herschel Price and Harold Decker.    Lela was very involved with the Pulaski County Republican Party for over 30 years serving in various capacities.  She was Vice Chair of the Pulaski County Republican Party, President of the Republican Women's Club, President of the Lincoln Club and was a Pulaski County Election Officer.  She also served on the Pulaski County Tourism Board for many years. Lela proudly attended 3 Presidential Inaugurations in Washington, DC and most proud of a handwritten letter from George W. Bush which she received in 2004.  She was often called upon from both state and federal republican officials for her input on a multitude of issues.  Lela was very instrumental in opening the first Holiday Inn in Somerset in 1968 where she worked until taking over as Manager of the Somerset Lodge for 24 years where she retired at 62 years of age.  At that time, she married a childhood friend and former Somerset Mayor, Dearl Whitaker. They were able to travel the world until his death in 1998. He was a wonderful addition to the family.  She later became a member of the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Senior Friends and also traveled extensively with them.   Her faith was always an important factor in her life, she adhered to the baptist faith and attended Calvery Baptist Church for many years and she later made the Science Hill Nazarene Church her place of worship and was active there as long as her health would permit. 
Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 6th,  at 2:00 pm at the Pulaski Funeral Home Dr. Curtis Sellers officiating.  Her burial will be at Barnesburg Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Mother.  Pall Bearers are Flo Loutre, John Tyler Mofild, Justin Price, Tyler Sexton, Zach Hargis, Landon Smith, Ray Smith, Chris Honeycutt  and Peyton Gover.  Honorary Pall bearers are Garry Sears, Dale Withers, Rick Sexton and Eulis Price.
Her family will receive friends at the Pulaski Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. Wednesday until time for services.
Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Lela Whitaker.