Helen Mays Whitis

Helen Frances (Mays) Whitis, 94, of Indianapolis, passed away April 10, 2023, at The Wellington of Southport Assisted Living. She was born May 25, 1928, in Tippecanoe County, Ind. to H. Bernie & Iva Blanche (Raine) Mays.

Helen was a 1946 graduate of Mulberry High School and a 1950 graduate of the University of Indianapolis (Indiana Central College). She would later earn her Master’s degree at IUPUI. She began her teaching career at Mooresville High School where she taught English, directed school plays, and sponsored the Class of ’53. She also taught at Greenfield Jr. High, Speedway Jr/Sr High, Eminence Schools, and Decatur Central Jr. High where she retired in 1989.

Helen loved to travel and enjoyed numerous cruises and trips to several parts of the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Her favorite destinations were Hawaii and Florida where she was a repeat visitor. Helen also enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her family. She loved being Nana to her 4 grandchildren.

She is survived by sons Mark E. (Sharon) Whitis of Indianapolis, and Brian T. (Kimberly) Whitis of West Virginia; daughter Ruth A. Whitis of Indianapolis; granddaughters Elizabeth Whitis of Hermosa Beach, CA, and Danielle Whitis of Seattle, WA; and grandsons Derek Whitis of Hermosa Beach, CA, and David Whitis of Danville, IN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by 3 brothers and 2 sisters.