Dorothy Wheeler

Dorothy Louise (Martin) Wheeler was born on February 29, 1936, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, to Nora (Camp) Martin and Everett Martin. She passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 90 years old in Muskogee, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was many things throughout her life—a telephone operator, Wal-Mart associate, foster parent, cross-country motorcyclist, and avid traveler. Her girls used to tell her that she lived a dozen lives in one lifetime. Most importantly though, Dorothy was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a Mimi.

For nearly 51 years, Dorothy was married to the love of her life, Paul Wheeler—a marriage that many aspire to have. After years of living in the Sand Springs, Yukon, and Mustang areas, the two built a home on the Wheeler family land in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and began another chapter. They made lifelong church friendships, became family to others, and enjoyed their golden years together before Paul passed away in 2024.

Dorothy leaves behind a lifetime of memories in her sons, grandchildren, and all those lucky enough to have shared a cup of coffee and a bit of sarcasm with her. Although we are heartbroken to experience this earthly world without her here, we are comforted knowing that she was welcomed into Heaven by her Savior and her sweetie, Paul, not far behind.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents, Everett and Nora Martin; brothers, James, Ernest, and Leroy Martin; and stepson, Rick Wheeler.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jeff Hughes of Muskogee, Oklahoma; Kenn Hughes and wife Donna of Saraland, Alabama; and Jerry Hughes and wife Mary of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; grandchildren Hailey Murdock, Harrison, Kendon, Donovan, Lauren, and Ryan Hughes; brothers Merle Martin and Billy Martin and wife Faye; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Dorothy also leaves behind “her girls”, Sydney and Kelsey, and their families who considered her and Paul to be angels on Earth.

Until we meet Dorothy again, may the words of her favorite group, The Booth Brothers, bring us comfort: "Look for Me at Jesus Feet."

A graveside services for Dorothy will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Park Hill Cemetery Pavilion with her son, Kenn Hughes officiating.