Betty Ruth Wheaton

Betty was a graduate of Purdue University, and received her Master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. She began teaching in Illinois, and after 10 years there, moved to Indiana to continue her career. She began teaching at Orchard Park Elementary School her first year, and continued on at Allisonville Elementary (Washington Township) for most of her career. After retiring from teaching, she continued her career in education by tutoring. She also volunteered with many organizations.

Betty was a member of Carmel United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the teacher’s sorority, ADK, and active with NAMI. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, and was active in the church choir and hand bell choir.

She is survived by her three children, Kathy (Bill) Macomber, Teresa Newman, and Don (late Karen) Dragoo; five grandchildren, Kevin (Terri) Macomber, Carrie (Derk) Holder, Jeannette Newman, James (Sara) Dragoo, Alison Dragoo; seven great grandchildren, Dawson, Parker, Carson, Emery, Harlow, Dylan, and Max; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene Dragoo in 1976, and second husband, Richard Wheaton in 2012; brother, Dr. Mack Drake, and son-in-law, Raymond Newman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN. Friends are invited to visit with the family also on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Church. Private burial to be held at Carmel Cemetery.

The family appreciates all of the staff and care given to Betty over the years at Sunrise Senior Living on Old Meridian as well as the recent care given to her by the staff at Great Lakes Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to NAMI, (https://www.nami.org/), 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA, 22203; Alzheimer’s Association ( https://www.alz.org/ ), 50 E. 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240; or to the charity of your choice.

To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.