Caroll attended school at St. Patrick’s Elementary, then McCook public school. After graduation, she enrolled in the beauty academy in McCook. While being a beautician did not become her life’s passion, it was a step toward meeting a tall, handsome man named Thomas Wheaton. She married Tom on February 23rd, 1960, and moved with him to San Diego, California. Caroll and Tom had four children together, ultimately settling in La Salle, Colorado, where Caroll tended to a large garden and had a vast collection of dolls.
After her children were grown, Caroll and Tom owned and operated Wheaton Trucking; this was a unique career for a woman at the time. They ran long haul transit around the country, accompanied by their Scottish terriers, until Tom’s death in 1997. Caroll later worked as a school bus driver and was affectionately known as “Grandma Greenwood” by many of the students, since her twin grandsons attended the school. For her personal car, she ultimately chose a vibrant orange Volkswagen Beetle, which she decorated with Gerber daisies and a Tweety Bird on the dash.
In later years, Caroll cherished time with family, she loved a nice hike and road trips, as long as she was warm enough. She accumulated a stylish collection of vests and coats and could often be seen with earmuffs, just in case. A talented seamstress throughout her life, Caroll was the mind and hands behind many of the outfits her children and grandchildren sport in their most memorable childhood photos.
Caroll is survived by her son, Thomas II (Holly) Wheaton of Ward, Colorado; two daughters, Sherry (Gary) Kuehl of Hartley, Iowa, and Kelly (Kurt) Greenwood of Greeley, Colorado; her sisters-in-law, Rae White of Haigler, Nebraska, and Patrica Parker of Colby, Kansas; a dear cousin, Rita Kummer; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; many other cousins, nieces, a nephew, and friends.
Caroll was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas; her daughter, Pamela Macy, and son-in-law, Tim Macy; her sister, Shirley Redeker; a beloved aunt, Theresa Stratman; and a grandson, Jeremiah Wheaton.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 9:00 am at Allnutt Macy Chapel, 6521 West 20th Street, Greeley CO 80631. Funeral Mass will directly follow the Visitation at 10:00 am. The family invites all in attendance to a Reception following the Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm.
