M. Anne Ashcraft Whiting

Martha Anne Ashcraft Whiting, 79, of Marietta, died peacefully, November 29, 2014 at her residence with family by her side following an extended illness. Anne was born in Sheffield, AL to the late George Bascom Ashcraft, Jr. and his wife Martha Mae Higgins (nee Hales). She had a successful Administrative career with a number of organizations, most notably the U.S Fencing Association and U.S. Olympic Training Center-Squaw Valley, CA. Anne's life was one of service as a military wife and hostess, organizer of numerous events to include horse shows and sporting events, Red Cross volunteer, Women's Auxiliary of Alzafar Shrine of San Antonio, Tx., and Elder at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church. She was most proud of working at and attending the Olympics in 1968, 1972, 1984, and 1996, as well as other Olympic related events and competitions. Anne suffered a debilitating stroke in 1998 and had to change from giving of herself to accepting the help of others. Though robbed of mobility and most of her speech, Anne learned to convey her needs and wants through facial expressions. This was most evident when greeting people with her beautiful smile and saying "Yes, Yes, Yes! It is the most remembered gift she bestowed. In addition to her parents, Anne is preceded in death by the love of her life, Marland Lewis (Lew) Whiting with whom she shared a wonderful 50 years and her sister; Barbara Hooper. Survivors include her loving children; Luanne Whiting-Lager and her husband, Bengt of Marietta, Lisa M. Jackson and her husband, Jake of Roswell, Lizbeth M. Whiting of Austin, TX and Michael L. Whiting and his wife, Rona of Colorado Springs, CO, grandchildren; Linda Lager of Kennesaw, Malin Lager of Atlanta, Kyle Jackson of Brooklyn, NY, Joel Jackson of Big Sky, MT, Kari Jackson of Phoenix, AZ, Joanne Myler of Hialeah, FL, Leah Lewis of Austin, TX, Rosalie Whiting and Morgan Whiting both of Colorado Springs, CO, sister; Linda Keneen (Keni) Stopp and her husband, Erhardt of Overland, MO and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1:00pm, Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Mount Zion United Methodist Church 1770 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta, GA 30062 with Rev.Susan Landry officiating. The family will receive friends following the service for a short time. A private inurnment is scheduled for a later date at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Anne's honor to the: United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation Attn: USOC Development, 1 Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Please send online condolences to: www.southerncremations.com. Southern Cremations & Funerals at Cheatham Hill, 1861 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064, 770-919-7100.