La Donna Mae Wheeler

December 18, 1938 – July 3, 2024

Mother, Homemaker, Artist

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Where she lived until 1952, when her family then moved for a short time to Arizona and then on to Capistrano Beach, California. She was 1956 graduate of Capistrano Union High School. She then studied art at Orange Coast College. She made sure to become an expert and the very best in all her hobbies and pursuits. She had a love for drawing and working with chalks and pastels. Her art won many contests and award in school. La Donna was a member of the 1956 Miss San Clemente court and appeared on the first float from San Clemente in the 1957 Rose Parade. The float the, “La Cristianita”, won first place in its division in the Rose tournament.

In 1977, La Donna moved with her family to Texas where she pursued her passions for gardening and antiques. For 12 years she owned and took great pleasure in operating her antique shop, “Bunk House Antiques and Junque”. During this time, she made many lasting friends and acquaintances in the business with whom she loved to spend time with drinking coffee and talking shop.

La Donna never lost her love for Southern California, and often spoke fondly of her time there. In 2006 she returned to her home on the west coast, Capistrano Beach, California, where she resided until her passing.

She had a creative heart and mind. She loved her children dearly and took great pride in being the best mom ever. She never did anything halfway. Her passions were art, sewing, crochet, gardening, then restoring and selling antiques. She was an expert in and loved searching for primitive antiques and restoring fine antique furniture.

La Donna is preceded in death by her father Merlyn R. Boyer, her sister Bonnie McQuone, her mother Lucille M. Boyer, and her beloved brother Gary R. Boyer.

She is survived by 4 children, Julie M. Wheeler, Sherrie L. Bemis, Latham M. Wheeler, Martin W. Wheeler. 11 grandchildren. 9 great grandchildren.