Sandy Whitaker

Sandra Jean “Sandy” Whitaker, 59, of Grants Pass passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at her home. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, August 12th, 1:00 PM at Stephens Family Chapel with Pastor Ken Bern officiating. Sandy was born on July 30, 1949 in Oakland, California to Richard and Lola Benson. While growing up Sandy attended schools in the Bay Area. In 1973 she moved to Grants Pass where she has lived for the past 35 years. Sandy has worked as a care giver for over twenty years. She opened Flaherty Adult Foster Care Home in 1988 she has continued operating her own Adult Foster Care Home ever since. On November 7, 2006 in Grants Pass she married Jay Whitaker. Sandy loved taking care of people she truly enjoyed giving care to those who needed it. She also loved to decorate, spending time with her family and she loved animals. Survivors include her husband Jay Whitaker of Grants Pass; daughters, Judi Flaherty of Grants Pass, Michelle Heosto of Merced, CA and Mary Edwards of Grants Pass; son, Michael Flaherty Jr. of Coos Bay, OR; two brothers, Russell Benson and Rick Benson both of Brookings, OR; sister, Gloria Iverson of Grants Pass; Ex-Husband, Michael Flaherty of Grants Pass; Seven grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews