Helen Wheeler, 86 years, of Alvordton, passed away Monday, September 23, 2019, in Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers, Bryan. Helen was born January 29, 1933 in Kunkle, Ohio, the daughter of the late William Paul and Mary K. (Hollstein) Hawkins. She married James F. Wheeler on February 17, 1951 in Metz, Indiana, and he preceded her in death on June 20, 1999.
Helen worked for the Montpelier Auto Auction for 27 years. She attended the former Clay United Methodist Church. Helen was a 4-H Advisor and a member of the Alvordton Mother’s Club and the Hilltop Athletic Boosters. She also enjoyed going to the West Unity Senior Center. Helen enjoyed making ceramics and various crafts. She treasured the time she could spend with her family and all their activities.
Surviving are her five children, James (Tonya) Wheeler of Montpelier, Alan (Stacy) Wheeler of West Unity, Deborah Figgins of Alvordton, Judith (Dennis) Hupe of Waynesville, Ohio, and Kimberly (Jake) Lashaway of Camden, Michigan; 18 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren and 14 great great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul (Wildamae) Hawkins of Clinton, Michigan; six stepsiblings, Jack Esterline, Leland (Linda) Esterline, Jim (Lisa) Esterline, Jeannette Manley, Beverly (Vic) Degryse and Bob (Jeannie) Esterline. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, Donald Esterline; husband, James Wheeler; brother, Harley Hawkins; two stepsisters, Lorna Geesey and Linda Sumner.
Visitation for Helen Wheeler will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 202 North Liberty Street, West Unity. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 in West Franklin Cemetery with Pastor Nick Woodall officiating.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to the West Unity Senior Center. Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com