Sue Wheeler

Sue (Williams) Wheeler, age 86, died Wednesday, February 24, 2016, following an acute stroke. The loved ones at her bedside called her passing peaceful and ladylike. Services will be at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Wednesday March 2, 11 am, Rev. Felicia Hopkins officiating.

Sue was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years Roy Harold Wheeler, Jr., her brother Lynn L. Williams Jr., and her parents. Survivors include son William (Sue C.) Wheeler, of Lansing, MI, their daughters, Ruth Wheeler of Farmington, NM, and Jeanine Wheeler of Lubbock and Abilene; son David (Elena) Wheeler, their son Bogdan; and daughter Lisa (Robert) Peterson; sisters Lou (James) Owen and Nancy (David) DeGroot, and several nieces and nephews.

Sue started life January 28, 1930, in Callahan County, Texas, the third child and second daughter of Lynn L. and Ruth (Park) Williams. She attended Putnam and Moran schools, then Hardin-Simmons College where she was a devoted member of the Cowgirls. She finished her studies in three years, and married Harold on June 30, 1950. They made homes in Cincinnati, Ohio, and San Jose, California, before returning to West Texas.

A lifelong Methodist, Sue's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She and Harold helped found Forest Chapel UMC in suburban Cincinnati, where among other duties they served together in the infant nursery for many years. They were active in Good Samaritan UMC in San Jose before joining St. Paul's.

Sue is remembered as a talented and dedicated classroom teacher, an avid participant with Harold in square and round dance weekends, and a wise, sensitive and caring volunteer in hospitals, assisted living and nursing homes, and hospice. She and her beloved Shelties have brought peace and comfort to many through pet therapy, and have helped children with reading difficulties through "read to a dog" programs at libraries and schools.

Despite her many achievements, Sue was proudest of her family. The love she shared with them will be felt long after she has departed.

Donations in Sue's memory may be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 525 Beech St., Abilene, Texas, 79601, or to the charity of your choice. Those who wish to commemorate her spirit of service can do so by doing something for someone else in her honor.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

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