Loretta Ann Whitaker, 83, Peculiar, MO, died Monday, July 21, 2008 at Cass Medical Center, Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services 10:00 AM Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the First Baptist Church, Peculiar. Burial in Peculiar Cemetery, Peculiar. Friends may call 6:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, July 23 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville, MO with Rosary service at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peculiar Senior Citizens Club, c/o First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 325, Peculiar, MO 64078.

Loretta was born November 5, 1924 in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Tony and Gladys (Batton) Garofalo. She married Hubert Byron Whitaker on August 25, 1950 in Kansas City, MO.

Loretta lived in the Kansas City, MO area before moving to Peculiar in 1962. Loretta was co-owner of the Peculiar Drive-In restaurant from 1961-1976. She was a member and past president of the Peculiar Senior Citizens Club. Loretta loved to cook and watch game shows on TV.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Hubert on August 28, 1983 and one sister, Josephine Vaughn. She is survived by one son, Fred Byron Whitaker, Peculiar, MO.