Nicole Leigh Whetstone

Nicole Leigh Whetstone, 52, Palmyra, Mo., passed away at 6:03 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Mo.

Nicole was born Jan. 22, 1971, in Topeka, Kan., to David and Carolyn Keen Desormiers. She was married to Henry S. Whetstone on May 22, 1992 in Silver Lake, Kan.

Survivors include her parents, David and Carolyn Desormiers, Silver Lake; husband, Henry Whetstone, Palmyra; her children, Henry Sheldon Whetstone (Karissa Kennedy), Philadelphia, Mo.; Spencer David Whetstone (Madison Stewart), Palmyra; and Shayleigh Amelia Whetstone, Palmyra; two brothers, Darcy Allen Desormiers, Topeka, Kan.; and Tavis Alvin Desormiers (Christi), Seneca, Kan.; one granddaughter on the way, Hazel JoLeigh Whetstone; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Nicole was a woman with a zest for life and at times a quiet knowing smile. Nicole taught school at Marion County R-II for 27 1/2 years. You can picture her standing at the door to her classroom, welcoming the kids in to start their day. Over the years, she helped hundreds of children begin their education journey in her classroom, coming home at the end of the day sharing a cute story or two with her family. 

Her encouragement and love were evident in the care she gave not only to her family but to students, their parents and the faculty who became her second family.

Nicole was all about her kids,. She was a dedicated mother, attending their events and ballgames. Her enthusiastic support could always be heard above the crowd. She had a great sense of humor and delighted in late night talks with her family. Her kids chuckle when letting you know she was very good at ordering Henry around, although truth be told, he loved it. 

Over the years Nicole enjoyed family trips taken to Colorado, Pikes Peak and Branson and ever the chance to see and explore someplace new. 

At home she enjoyed the simple things in life, watching a Hallmark movie, making strawberry jam or whipping up her meatloaf or one of the new recipes she loved to try out.

Since her battle with multiple myloma began five years ago, she has had the support of the entire community, with family, friends and students doing all they can to support her fight. Team Whetstone was created with their mantra “No one fights alone, Team Whetstone!” 

Nicole will be remembered most for the love she shared with her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, at Marion County R-II School in Philadelphia. Pastor Isaiah Jesch will officiate. Burial will follow at Pea Ridge Cemetery near Palmyra, Mo.

The school will live stream the service with viewing available on the Marion Country R-II Facebook page.

Pallbearers will be Tavis Desormiers, Darcy Desormiers, Sheldon Whetstone, Spencer Whetstone, Tony DeGrave, and Aaron Zook.

Honorary pallbearers will be Christi Desormiers, Shayleigh Whetstone, Karen Whetstone, Betty Hathaway, Ciara Foster and Susan Powell. 

Friends and Family are invited to Nicole’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra.

Memorials may be made to Marion County R-II School in memory of Nicole Whetstone.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.