Edna May Wheeler

OBITUARY FOR EDNA MAY WHEELER Twin Falls - Edna May Wheeler age 92, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Birchwood Retirement Assisted Living in Twin Falls, ID. During her last hours she was surrounded by family. Edna May was born May 25, 1919 in Yuma, Colorado to John Elmer Smith and Hazel Janette (Galbreath) Smith. After moving to Franktown, Colorado they resided in Russelville; living at the Campbell Ranch. She attended grade school at Franktown and graduated from Center High School in Center, Colorado. Edna married the love of her life, Walter Worth Wheeler in Golden, Colorado on August 12, 1938. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary before Walter passed away in December of 2005. From this union there were two daughters born, Kay and Linda; they lived most of their life in Franktown, Colorado. Edna was a devoted homemaker, loving wife, a wonderful mother and the very best Grandma. There was not a child or teenager who didn't love spending time at the Wheeler's. She was truly known for being "Everybody's Grandma" or "A Second Mom". Edna May was a lifetime member of the Pike's Peak Grange in Franktown, Colorado; a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a volunteer for the Tri-County District Health Department in Colorado. For seven years she was a 4-H leader teaching many young girls how to sew. She enjoyed being active in the Franktown Women's Club for many years. Edna worked at the Franktown Elementary School as a teacher's aid. Edna was named an honorary life member of the United States Air Force "Air Defense Team" for voluntary and faithful service in the ground observer corps during the decade of 1949-1959. In 1959 she received the Meritorious Service Award in recognition of 250 hours of faithful service for the Ground Observer Corps. She was a wonderful cook and always had room for one or two more at the table. She was a highly talented seamstress and like to embroidery as well as doing other crafts. On many occasions the Wheeler home was filled with musical "jam sessions" provided by family members and friends. Dancing and music were a way of life for her. She loved birds, flowers, gardening and collecting rocks or looking for arrowheads. Edna always put her family first, loving each and everyone. She adored her grandchildren and spent many hours reminiscing stories and family history. She loved little kids, animals and life itself. She always found time to be adventurous with her grandkids whether it be sledding, inner-tubing, riding bicycles and four-wheelers, throwing a ball or going for walks. Many nights she spent sleeping outdoors with them looking at the stars and listening to the animals. There was always time to read a childhood story, play a game or to help with homework. Many summers in the earlier years were spent tenting with family and friends and later in life traveling around the Western states in their motor home. In 1993 they moved to Kimberly, Idaho where she resided until 2009; when she moved to Birchwood Retirement in Twin Falls. Her kindness, gratitude, gentle spirit, sense of humor and loving ways will always be remembered by all those who knew her. Her husband; Walter, preceded her in death in December of 2005. Edna is survived by her two daughters; Kay (Lee) Piggott and Linda Tardy; three grandchildren; Warren Plante, Justin Plante, and Amy Tardy; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Mary "Mick" Denney and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Hazel Smith; four sisters, Bessie, Goldie, Viola and Elinor. The family wishes to thank the owners and staff of Birchwood Retirement for their loving and devoted care; to our friend and home health nurse, Shawna Fuller, for her dedication, knowledge, her loving way and support for so many years; and to the kind and supportive care of the entire St. Luke's Hospice Team. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls, Idaho. Edna May's final resting place will be in Franktown, Colorado. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Edna Wheeler in care of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home.