Tanya D. Whitehead OBITUARY

Tanya D. Whitehead OBITUARY

Lanark, Illinois – Tanya D. Whitehead, age 72, died Friday, June 5, 2026 at Serenity Hospice & Home near Oregon, IL. She was born June 23, 1953 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, the daughter of William and Esther (Cooper) Grubbs. She graduated from Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, IL, and obtained her PhD in Psychology and Education from University of Missouri-Kansas City. She taught and worked in the School of Nursing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Tanya married William (Bill) D. Whitehead on August 12, 1972 in Hoffman Estates, IL. She had an insatiable curiosity about the world, and enjoyed a lifelong passion for reading and travel, as well as many other hobbies and interests. She was predeceased by her parents William and Esther Grubbs. She is survived by her loving husband Bill of Lanark, IL, her children Shana Whitehead of Chicago, IL, Thomas Whitehead of Dolores, CO, and Bethany Whitehead of Chicago, IL, as well as a grandson by daughter Shana, Zachary Parekh, and her sisters Renée Young of Palm Springs, CA, and Lynnette Grubbs of Dallas, TX. Per Tanya’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Please consider donating to The American Association of People with Disabilities in her memory, a cause to which she dedicated her professional life. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Homes assisted the family.