Marietta ‘Tootie’ Zoll Whitaker passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 in Allegan, MI

Tootie was born in Allegan MI in September 1937 to John & Iva (Allen) Zoll she was the youngest of six children.

Tootie loved life; she was always happy, laughing, singing (she was very well known for her talented skill of yodeling), dancing, exercising & walking, and always on the go, she was one of the nicest people you would ever meet. She loved her family very much and would do anything for them. She met her husband Kenneth “Gene” Whitaker in March of 1956 at the bowling alley in Allegan, MI and in September of 1956 they were married, this year would have been their 70th anniversary. They shared many laughs, fun, and adventures together. You would recognize them from the Dairy Freeze in Otsego MI. They have been the proud owners of that establishment for the last 60 years, they worked and enjoyed life side by side through the years.

Her son Ken Whitaker Jr. and her have spent lots of time singing karaoke, playing pranks on one another, being out on the town having fun, and having many laughs. Her daughter Cindy Whitaker and her had a mother daughter bond that couldn’t be broken; they enjoyed countless times and fun adventurous activities together, their last big adventure together was Waggin’ Tails Pet Supplies until Tootie retired in 2019.

Tootie was always a hard worker; through her life she always went above and beyond with a smile on her face and never complaining about what she needed to do, alongside of all the long hours she use to put in she raised a family too, she was a very special lady, and her family truly appreciated her and loved her for all that she was.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth ‘Gene’ Whitaker; her son, Ken (Flo) Whitaker Jr.; and her daughter Cindy Whitaker; and brother-in-law, Bill (Joyce) Whitaker.

She was proceeded in death by her parents John & Iva Zoll; her sisters, Marie (Joe) VanOrder, Betty (Bill) Michaels, Pearl (Howard) Harrington, Bonnie (Harold) Gomber; her brother, Bob (Marie) Zoll; her mother & father-in-law, Mildred & Milton Whitaker; and her brother-in-law, Jerry Whitaker. She was the last of her siblings, her family knows heaven is having one great big celebration now that they are all together again.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Donations can be made to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or the Wings Home, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.