Ina Yount Whitlock, 86, Poet Laureate of Vashon from 2013 to 2015, passed away unexpectedly in her home on February 7, 2018. Vashon community members are invited to attend a gathering honoring her life on Sunday, February 18, 2018, from 3-5 pm at the Camp Burton Lodge. The family invites you to bring poetry, prose, or anything you may want to share.

A unique spirit, Ina touched people’s lives with her compassion and creativity. She had deep friendships lasting many years.

Ina was born on July 2, 1931, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She first met the love of her life, John Moore Whitlock, in Junior High. They married in 1952 while Ina finished her Bachelor of Arts and John worked on his Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, both at the University of Nebraska.

Ina and John moved to Vashon Island in the early 1960s. They traveled extensively, living in Venezuela, Aruba, Australia, Norway and Connecticut until returning to Vashon permanently in 1986.

A lifelong painter, Ina had many solo and group art exhibits. She held a retrospective of her life’s work in 2016. A prolific writer, Ina authored close to a dozen books. An active member of the community, she also participated in several creative groups on the island. For further details, please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.

Ina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many people on Vashon and around the world. She is survived by her children Ned (Marta), Nora Mullen (Ed), Hallie Digernes (Trond), Sharla Kaufman, Shelly Whitlock (John Affolter), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In remembrance of Ina, donations may be made to Vashon Partners in Education and Vashon-Maury Senior Center.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com