Marietta "Tootie" Whitaker

Marietta “Tootie” Zoll Whitaker passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Allegan, Michigan. Born in Allegan in September 1937 to John and Iva (Allen) Zoll, she was the youngest of six children.

Tootie embraced life with joy and energy. She was known for her constant smile, infectious laughter, singing, and especially her remarkable talent for yodeling. She loved dancing, exercising, walking, and staying active, yet it was her kindness and warm heart that made her one of the nicest people anyone could meet. Above all, she cherished her family and would do anything for them.

She met her husband, Kenneth “Gene” Whitaker, in March 1956 at the bowling alley in Allegan, and they married that September. This year would have marked their 70th anniversary. For the past 60 years they owned and operated the Dairy Freeze in Otsego, working side by side while sharing countless laughs and adventures. Tootie shared a special bond with her son, Ken Whitaker Jr., filled with karaoke nights, playful pranks, and evenings out on the town. With her daughter, Cindy Whitaker, she enjoyed a deep and unbreakable mother-daughter connection, sharing many fun and adventurous experiences together, most recently running Waggin’ Tails Pet Supplies until her retirement in 2019.

A lifelong hard worker, Tootie always gave her best with a smile, balancing long hours at the family business while raising her children. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth “Gene” Whitaker; her son, Ken (Flo) Whitaker Jr.; her daughter, Cindy Whitaker; and her brother-in-law, Bill (Joyce) Whitaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, her in-laws, and others dear to her. As the last of her siblings, her family finds comfort knowing she is reunited with them in heaven, where a great celebration is surely underway.