Obituary of Cheryl E. Whitney

Cheryl Whitney, 62, of Iowa City died Thursday, June 5, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family, pets, and the beauty of her gardens. Cheryl Elaine Whitney was born July 2, 1951 in Jefferson, Iowa the daughter of Donald and Eunice (Maynard) Whitney. Following graduation from Guthrie Center High School in 1969, she enrolled and graduated from The University of Iowa with her BA in Social Work in 1972. She began her career as a social worker with Lantern Park Nursing Home in Coralville. She then accepted a position with the Department of Human Services in Benton County, Iowa. Between 1978 and 1992 Cheryl served in various supervisory positions in DHS in the counties of Grundy, Tama, Hardin, and Johnson. In May of 1992, she became the Human Service Area Administrator for Johnson County, a position she held until her retirement in December 2006. In 2007, she began working part-time at Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Johnson County where she enjoyed helping children and families for many years. She also served on the boards of United Action for Youth (UAY) and the United Way. In her spare time, she pursued her love of gardening, achieving the Master Gardener certification. With this and her life skills in social work, she volunteered to make this community a more beautiful place to live, work and play. Cheryl cherished her family, and particularly her role as Grandma, a word she never got tired of hearing. Those who knew her benefited from her sewing and cooking skills and were often the recipient of her gifts. Her family includes her husband, Philip D. Dorothy whom she married in May of 1978. Their children: Lisa R. Johnson (Hans J,) of Coralville, Lisa M. Dorothy of Joliet, IL, and Sara I. Mitchinson (William J.) of Elburn, IL. Their grandchildren: Ivan E. Johnson, Vincent R. Johnson, Benjamin W. Mitchinson, Jillian M. Mitchinson, and Allison L. Mitchinson. Her siblings: Norma Wood of Springfield, MO, Carl Whitney (Joan Miller) of British Columbia, and Ruth Parker (Michael Parker) of Brandon, SD. A time for family and friends to gather, to share support, and remember Cheryl will be held from 4 to 7 pm Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Internment will take place as a family service at Oakland Cemetery. Memorial Donations can be made in her memory to the Johnson County Big Brothers, Big Sisters program or Iowa City Hospice. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.