Ellen Zirkle Whiting

Ellen Zirkle Whiting entered into rest on July 11, 2012 at Holmes Medical Center, Melbourne, Florida at the age of 74 following a long illness. She was born in Ripley, West Virginia on March 11, 1938 to the late Guy and Miriam (Thomas) Hersman. She was a graduate of Ripley High School. After retiring from Kaiser Aluminum in 1987 she spent her time living between Ripley and Florida and enjoyed volunteering at Tropical Haven and Holmes Regional Hospital. She was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church of Ripley. Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Ronald; a son Matthew (Terri) Zirkle of Ripley, West Virginia; granddaughter Ansley Ellen Zirkle of Paducah, Kentucky; step children Ronnie (Debbie) Whiting and Rhonda (Tim) Johnston; five grandchildren and 4 adoring great grandchildren in Melbourne, FL; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members. I addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her sons Mike and Mark Zirkle; brothers Guy Landon Hersman, Gail Hersman; sisters Joann Lott and Rosemary Hudson. Per her request, Ellen will be returned to her hometown of Evans, West Virginia and placed at the Otterbien Cemetery in a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Calvary United Methodist, Ripley, West Virginia. Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Melbourne, FL is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at Condolences@coxgiffordseawinds.com or by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.