Mary J. Wheeler

Mary J. Wheeler 12/30/1926 - 05/01/2008 INDEPENDENCE - Mary Wheeler left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior in the presence of her children. Mary was the loving wife of Alfred W. Wheeler for 55 years. They were married in Montrose, Calif. in 1943. She lived in Glendale, Calif. where her first two sons were born. Al Wheeler re-entered the military, joining the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed at Point Reyes Lifeboat Station in Marin County, Calif. At that time her third and fourth sons were born in San Fransisco. She sailed with her four sons to the Hawaiian Islands in 1950 where he husband, Alfred had been reassigned. Mary's fifth son was born in Hilo, Hawaii and a year later, her first daughter was also born in Hilo. They moved to Napoopoo on the Kona side where her second daughter was born at Kealekakua. Mary moved to Oregon in 1969. She lived in Grand Ronde where she raised ducks and geese, and all manner of vegetables in her gardens. She loved to cook for her family; her specialty was an eight to ten course meal of assorted entrees. She loved visiting and conversing with her lifelong friends, especially about her favorite topic, her family of seven children; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed many card games, especially pinochle. She enjoyed her trips to the Orient, Alaska, the Carribean, and many of the 50 states. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She dearly loved her family and she had many lifelong friends with whom she corresponded. Alfred went to be with his Savior in 1998. Mary Wheeler is survived by her oldest brother, Douglas Gordon; her sister, Kathleen Stanley; and her youngest brother, William Gordon. She was blessed to be survived by all of her children, her sons, John, Patrick, Joseph, Timothy, and Peter; her daughters, Mary and Elizabeth; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren. Above all, clothe yourself with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ hide in your hearts. Col 2:14-15 Mary will be greatly missed by us all. Visitation will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Mon., May 5 at Farnstrom Mortuary. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tues., May 6 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Independence