Maxine Ardyth Wheeler

Maxine passed away on December 15, 2022 in her Gresham home at the age of 89. She was born in Flasher, ND to Frederick and Inez Rossow. Her family moved to Meridian, ID when she was a baby and spent her childhood there, where she acquired the nickname, Beanie. Her childhood nickname affectionately stayed with her into her adult life by her sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She moved to Portland with her mom and dad as a teenager and attended Jefferson High School.

In 1951, she married Billy. W. Rice and was married for 43 years until his death in February of 1994. She was married to Alvin Wheeler in June of 2004 until his death in June of 2005.

Maxine was a stay at home mom to 6 children, which kept her very busy. She was involved in her children's school activities and an avid member of the PTA throughout her children's elementary years. She was PTA President for John Ball Elementary from 1960-1961. Maxine had a passion for sewing. She started at a young age, entering her sewing exhibits with 4H and continued sewing her entire adult life. After her kids were grown, Maxine joined the Parkrose Chapter 151 of Eastern Star and had the honor of being Worthy Matron.

Maxine is survived by her children, Dan Rice, Vern Rice, Les Rice, Rhonda (Bill) Tomasini, and Phil Rice; and her six grandchildren, Chelsea, Courtney, Justin, Kyle, Phillip, and Hannah. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Norma Rice.

A memorial service will be held after the first of the year.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Wheeler family.