Leta Lynn Wheeler, 59, Trenton, MO
By: Gregory Hurt
Updated: December 7, 2012
Leta Lynn Wheeler, a 59-year-old Trenton resident, died December 5, 2012 at her home. Friends are invited to join the family during a simple gathering to celebrate/commemorate Leta's life in the fellowship hall of the Trenton First Christian Church - 1700 Princeton Road on Saturday, December 8 from 1:30-3:00 P.M. A private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to a charity of your choice, or if you want to donate to one that was especially close to her heart, we recommend the Green Hills Animal Shelter - 3041 E. 10th Street, Trenton, MO 64683. Arrangements under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home of Gallatin.
Leta L. Wheeler was born on April 27, 1954. She was the third of 5 children born to Mary (Trapp) and Harry Wheeler Jr. of Jameson. She graduated from Jameson High School in 1971, Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1976, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Religious Education in 1983
Leta put her education to use building relationships and touching lives through her many teaching experiences. She started her career at Pattonsburg and then returned to her alma mater, Jameson, where she taught and coached for over ten years. She worked in the Trenton school district's Early Childhood Preschool program before working at North Central Missouri College at various positions from 1994 until her retirement in 2010. Leta taught and tutored students, not only helping them with their math, science, and English, but teaching them to be lifelong learners too.
As soon as Lions Club International admitted women as members, Leta followed her father's tradition of being an engaged and contributing member and officer in the Jameson Lions Club. Earlier this fall, she received her 25 year Lions membership recognition and chevron. For decades, without missing a year, you would see her working at the food stand, running the sound equipment, slicing watermelons, etc. at the annual Jameson Picnic.
Leta was an active member of the Trenton Acting Guild, developing her lighting and sound technician skills as she teamed with her sister, Vicki, producing many plays. Leta's critical thinking and planning skills were extra-ordinary as set building Saturdays always went smoothly because of pre-planning and execution. She was a joy to work with, because of her skills, patience, perseverance and collegial attitude.
Leta applied her talents, energy, and resources to worthwhile causes. She was a board member of the Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton. She led in a variety of positions in the Order of the Eastern Star and in Dockery Chapel United Methodist Church.
Leta loved her family! She supported and encouraged her brothers and sisters throughout her life. She was always behind the scenes championing their many causes! Leta was a caring Aunt to her niece and nephews. Nothing seemed to make her, or them, happier than to have them climbing on and around her as they grew up. She had a way of giving them her undivided attention that they so dearly wanted! She loved to cook, sew, and look after her cats and dogs.
Leta was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary, as well as her older sister Vicki.
Leta is survived by her sister Beth Wheeler of Jameson, brother Harry and his wife Mary Ann of Cameron, and Frank and his wife Pam of Blue Springs; 3 nephews, Brian (Tina) Wheeler, Jordan Wheeler and Brooks Wheeler; and one niece, Lauren Jacobs; great nephews, Jackson Wheeler, Jake Wheeler, and Creed Jacobs; and great niece, Piper Jacobs.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com
Leta L. Wheeler was born on April 27, 1954. She was the third of 5 children born to Mary (Trapp) and Harry Wheeler Jr. of Jameson. She graduated from Jameson High School in 1971, Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1976, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Religious Education in 1983
Leta put her education to use building relationships and touching lives through her many teaching experiences. She started her career at Pattonsburg and then returned to her alma mater, Jameson, where she taught and coached for over ten years. She worked in the Trenton school district's Early Childhood Preschool program before working at North Central Missouri College at various positions from 1994 until her retirement in 2010. Leta taught and tutored students, not only helping them with their math, science, and English, but teaching them to be lifelong learners too.
As soon as Lions Club International admitted women as members, Leta followed her father's tradition of being an engaged and contributing member and officer in the Jameson Lions Club. Earlier this fall, she received her 25 year Lions membership recognition and chevron. For decades, without missing a year, you would see her working at the food stand, running the sound equipment, slicing watermelons, etc. at the annual Jameson Picnic.
Leta was an active member of the Trenton Acting Guild, developing her lighting and sound technician skills as she teamed with her sister, Vicki, producing many plays. Leta's critical thinking and planning skills were extra-ordinary as set building Saturdays always went smoothly because of pre-planning and execution. She was a joy to work with, because of her skills, patience, perseverance and collegial attitude.
Leta applied her talents, energy, and resources to worthwhile causes. She was a board member of the Green Hills Animal Shelter in Trenton. She led in a variety of positions in the Order of the Eastern Star and in Dockery Chapel United Methodist Church.
Leta loved her family! She supported and encouraged her brothers and sisters throughout her life. She was always behind the scenes championing their many causes! Leta was a caring Aunt to her niece and nephews. Nothing seemed to make her, or them, happier than to have them climbing on and around her as they grew up. She had a way of giving them her undivided attention that they so dearly wanted! She loved to cook, sew, and look after her cats and dogs.
Leta was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mary, as well as her older sister Vicki.
Leta is survived by her sister Beth Wheeler of Jameson, brother Harry and his wife Mary Ann of Cameron, and Frank and his wife Pam of Blue Springs; 3 nephews, Brian (Tina) Wheeler, Jordan Wheeler and Brooks Wheeler; and one niece, Lauren Jacobs; great nephews, Jackson Wheeler, Jake Wheeler, and Creed Jacobs; and great niece, Piper Jacobs.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhomes.com
