Mary Frances Wheeler

Frances was born on October 14, 1922 in Ranger, Texas and was the daughter of Willie and Susie (Stiles) Lewis. In 1942, she moved to Los Angeles, California where, during the war, she worked as a welder on a Ship docked in the Los Angles Harbor in San Pedro. On October 11, 1945 she married Milton S. Wheeler in Grants Pass and in 1966 they moved to Salem.

Frances worked as a bus driver for the Livingstone Junior Academy for many years. Her students adored and respected her and remembered her for the lovely treats she would bake for them. She also babysat many children in her lifetime to include her grandchildren. Frances loved children and was a true homemaker that cared for her home, her family and those who needed her.

Frances loved God and was strong in her faith. She was a member of the East Salem Seventh day Adventist Church where she served as a Deaconess and taught the Kindergarten Sabbath School Class for over 20 years. She loved to read, crochet and sew and was known for baking pies and other sweets for her family and friends. She enjoyed caring for her yard, taking walks and spending time outdoors. Her family was her life and she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s concerts and events. She also enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. Frances was a giver; a giver of her time, her heart and her talents. She supported everyone that surrounded her and influenced her family to be the people they are today. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Frances is survived by her son, Les Wheeler of Salem, Oregon, daughter, Becky Buchanan of Plano, Texas, her sister, Connie, grandchildren, Greg, Christie, Diana and Karen and great grandchildren, Makayla, Lilly, Isaac, Gary, Alex, Amelia, Ashley and Jocelyn. Her husband, Milton, her daughter, Mary and 7 of her brothers and sisters all preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Frances’ life will be on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 12:00 pm at Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home in Salem. A Visitation will take place just prior to the service, starting at 10:00 am. Private interment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Frances to Seventh-day Adventist Salem Community Services, 1860 Summer Street NE Salem, OR 97301. Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.