Betty June Wheeler

Betty June Wheeler, age 83, formerly of Gobles, died peacefully on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at Metron Nursing Home in Bloomingdale surrounded by loving family members. Her death followed a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Betty was born June 29, 1924 in Clay County, Kansas to Bertha Ella (Jolley) Gardner and Elmer James Gardner who farmed the family homestead until World War II. She graduated from Clay Center High School where she was the drum majorette. On June 1, 1942, Betty was married to Staff Sergeant Wilbur Raymond Wheeler at the Junction City, Kansas Methodist Church. Betty and Wilbur celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Betty was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, baking, canning and many types of handwork, such as knitting and sewing. She made beautiful items of clothing for her children and grandchildren. After their retirement, Betty and Wilbur spent twenty years in Winter Haven, Florida enjoying friends, family and many activities. Betty spearheaded an active relationship between members of their retirement park and a low-income elementary school in a nearby community. Due to her tireless efforts, these Spanish-speaking children had people to read to them and help them with their schoolwork. Betty also coordinated the efforts to donate food, clothing and furniture to these families. Betty was an excellent role model for her children and grandchildren and will be sorely missed. Betty Wheeler is survived by her loving husband Wilbur Wheeler; three children, Jacqueline Wheeler of Almena, MI, Douglas (Carole) Wheeler of St. Mary's, GA, Laurel (Calvin) Smith of Gobles, MI; six grandchildren, Lauren (Eduardo Reyes) Klein of Reno, NV, Jennifer (Rick) Collins of Holland, MI, Elizabeth (Jeremy Bruskotter) Klein of Minneapolis, MN, Joshua Wheeler of Portage, MI, Ryan (Jill) Smith of Portage, MI, Justin (Becky) Hayes-Smith of Gainesville, FL; five great-grandchildren, Jordan Arnes and Joshua Collins of Holland, MI, Isabela and Maya Reyes of Reno, NV and Preston Smith of Portage, MI. A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be held Thurs., Aug. 9, 11:00 AM at the Gobles United Methodist Church, Gobles, MI. Friends and family are invited to gather at the luncheon that will follow. Contributions in her memory may be made to Southwest Michigan Hospice or Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by GOBLES CHAPEL, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

Betty June Wheeler

June 29, 1924 - July 26, 2007