Maria R. Whitaker died at the Gunderson hospital in LaCrosse, WI on September 16, 2024. Ms. Whitaker was born on November 12, 2004 to Duane Everette and Faith Elaine Whitaker. No one who has known Maria will forget her kindness, sense of humor, and her passion for poetry and music. She is survived by her mother, Faith E. Whitaker, father, Duane E. Whitaker, Sisters, Rachel A. Whitaker-Penner, Sarah E. Whitaker, Maisie L. Whitaker, Katie N. Whitaker, Regina A. Whitaker, brothers, Paul E. Whitaker, Wesley D. Whitaker, Duane D. Whitaker, Joshua A. Whitaker, Phillip C. Whitaker, sister in law, Ellamae R. Whitaker, brother in law, Hector B. Penner, maternal grandparents, Ardis G. Hunt, Herschel P. Hunt, Paternal Grandmother, Judith T. Whitaker, nephews, Weston L. Whitaker, Jason C. Whitaker, Winston R. Whitaker, niece, Samara J. C. Whitaker, son, Reginald D. Whitaker, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her brother, Joel L. Whitaker, cousin, Jeremy R. Kuns, and grandfather, Charles E. Whitaker. She will be sorely missed.