Sheila E Hunter

Sheila Elizabeth Hunter (née Wheatley), age 78, of Gahanna, Ohio, was born on November 6, 1947, in Pocatello, Idaho. She was unexpectedly called home to the Lord on December 5, 2025, at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, to the heartbreak of her family and friends.

Sheila had undergone a successful surgery intended to improve her quality of life. That evening, however, her heart stopped suddenly, and despite heroic efforts, she could not be revived. Her husband, William, and her sons, Michael and Travis, were present to say their final goodbyes. Michael shared that from the moment her heart first stopped, it was clear she had gone into Jesus’ loving embrace. Sheila spent her final day, as she had lived her life, helping and encouraging others. Her family believes that for this faithfulness, God granted her a peaceful passing, as she was already in a better place.

Sheila lived a life defined by deep faith in God, an incredibly giving heart, and a love for her family that formed the core of her identity. She treasured her friendships and loved spending time laughing, talking, and encouraging those around her. She also held a lasting passion for her work training and helping others as a Financial Specialist and took great pride in her accomplished career serving the federal government.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 51 years, William Clyde Hunter Jr., who survives her at age 79; her children Michael Moore, Travis Hunter and his wife Susan Copp, and Melissa Hunter and her husband Royce; and her younger brother Paul Wheatley and his wife Dianne.

Sheila also held deep and abiding love for her younger sister Patricia Noble, her older brother Thomas Wheatley, and her parents Orieon and Sheila Wheatley, whom she mourned daily and prayed for faithfully following their passing.

Her love extended generously through her extended family. Sheila cherished time spent with Sam, Ben, and Tori, the children of Susan Copp, and took joy in being part of their lives and knowing she made a positive difference for them. She was close with Wesley-Ann, Melissa’s daughter, and treasured being part of her life. Sheila also loved Heidi, Patricia’s daughter, and her family, and spent many cherished hours with them during her sister’s illness. She delighted in speaking of Joshua, Paul’s son, and his family, cared deeply for Adam, Dianne’s son, and held a special place in her heart for Laura and Tina, Thomas’s daughters, and their families, cherishing them throughout her life for the joy they brought to those she loved.

A devout Catholic, Sheila lived her faith deeply and simply. While she was not erudite in her knowledge of Scripture, her faith was bone-deep and ever present. She was often heard saying, “Jesus, I trust in You,” and frequently repeated her beloved reminder, “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.” She was Catholic through and through and loved the Church all her life.

Sheila would want to be remembered for the kindness of her heart and the love she held for all those who were suffering. She never hesitated to make a stranger comfortable with a joke or a smile and consistently amazed her loved ones with her generosity.

Sheila’s professional life was marked by dedication, integrity, and service. In 1991, she relocated to Ohio to begin her career with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). Throughout her tenure, she served as a steadfast accountant, trainer, and contract officer, guided by a passion for doing the right thing, no matter the cost. Her commitment helped pave the way for innovative training programs and accounting systems. In the mid-1990s, she spent time in Germany establishing a new training division and later created and implemented a modernized timekeeping system for DFAS.

In the final years of her career, Sheila oversaw numerous contracts, ensuring regulations were followed while meeting the needs of the organization. Her knowledge of accounting and professionalism were deeply respected by her peers and throughout DFAS.

Sheila had a deep and abiding love for her friends. While her circle was wide, special gratitude is extended to Fran, who prayed with and assisted her during her final weeks. Sheila also cherished keeping in close contact with Kay, William’s sister, and enjoyed long conversations with Karen, Marie, Gwen, and many others.

Sheila was pure in spirit, a peacemaker, and kind through and through. She was especially devoted to encouraging and supporting her sons, Michael and Travis, and left this earth with joy in her heart knowing they were happy and fulfilled in their lives. She never failed to stretch her finances to help others and found joy in giving throughout her life. Those wishing to honor her memory may consider donations made in her name to charities that reflect her heart and value. Some of those charities include St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Matthew's of Gahanna; Wounded Warriors Project of Franklin County; VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars); Priest and Seminary Fund for Catholic Diocese of Columbus; Adoration Chapel of St. Matthews of Gahanna. Hyperlinks will be available underneath obituary.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4-7 p.m., at Schoedinger Margarum Funeral Home, 1015 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Gahanna. All who knew Sheila are welcome to attend, as she would never want anyone left out or turned away.

Sheila will be buried at Levitt’s Cemetery in Ogden, Utah, alongside her sister and brother, near her parents. A brief burial service will be held at a later date. Those unable to attend services in Ohio are warmly invited to attend.