Obituary of Patty Wheeler

Coffeyville - Patricia Anne "Patty" Wheeler, 81, of Caney passed away Friday, August 30, 2013, at Guest Home Estates in Caney. She was born October 13, 1931, at Havana, KS to Deryl and Alma "Peg" (Fieg) Pendleton. Patty later moved with her family to Caney, attending school there and graduating from Caney High School in 1949. Following high school she attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, graduating in 1953. On June 27, 1954, she married Mahlon Wheeler at the Caney United Methodist Church in Caney. Following their marriage Patty and Mahlon made their home in Wichita, where Patty taught English. They later moved to Caney where Patty worked regularly as a substitute teacher before resuming her teaching career full time during the 1980's. Her husband preceded her in death on July 25, 1994. Following her husband's death Patty became active with the Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University, serving on the Advisory Board and conducting the Dr. Waddle children's program at area schools. She also established the Mahlon Wheeler Cancer Research Fund. Patty was a lifelong member of the Caney United Methodist, and a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority at Kansas State University. In 1972 she served as Kansas District President of Delta Delta Delta. She was an avid supporter of Kansas State athletics, as well as the university as a whole, and took great pride in the fact her son and grandchildren all chose to attend KSU. Survivors include her son, Vince Wheeler and wife Pam of Wichita; and two grandsons, Riley Wheeler and Dylan Wheeler. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother Steve Pendleton. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Caney United Methodist Church with Rev. Bob Clemence officiating. Burial will be in Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney. Friends may call on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Caney United Methodist Church in Caney. The family suggests memorials to the Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research at Kansas State University, or the Caney United Methodist Church; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.