Carolyn McWhirter, age 68, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017.  She was born in Gary, Indiana on July 6, 1949 to the late Carl and Helen (nee Carrel) Gilmore. Carolyn was a retired self-employed beautician and also worked for many years at Sherri's Main Attraction in Portage. Carolyn will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jack McWhirter; daughter, Paula (Brian) Cox; three sons, Carl (Danette) McWhirter, Dan (Jennifer) McWhirter and Chuck (Julie) Barney;six grandchildren, Cody, Taylor, Cameron, Kyle, Ryan and Brady; two sisters, Carolyn's twin, Marilyn and Patty (Carl); five brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law numerous nieces and nephews and other dear friends and loving family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, and four brothers-in-law.
Memorial Contributions in Carolyn's honor may be made to Make-A-Wish American Gift Processing, 4742 North 24th Street, Suite 400Phoenix, AZ 85016.

A funeral service for Carolyn will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00 am at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN 46368 with Pastor Chuck and Minnie Munsell officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 2:00-8:00 pm also at the funeral home.  For more information, please call 219-762-3013.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.