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Ellen (Murdoch) Wheeler

Posted 2025-11-06 by mhenderson
Published by Today's News Herald on Oct. 5, 2025 -
Lake Havasu City, Arizona -

Ellen Murdoch Wheeler entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October
28th, 2025 in Portage, Indiana.

She is survived by her children Ellen Ann Lopiano, Janet M. Wheeler, and
Scott M. Wheeler; 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great
great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of
49 years, Arthur J. Wheeler, and two sons Stephen A. Wheeler and Mark E.
Wheeler. Born to Archibald and Margaret B. Murdoch of Warwick, Rhode
Island, she was the youngest of five. She aspired to become a seamstress
and was a part time secretary at Brown University. This changed when she
met her husband Arthur, a volunteer fireman and eventual sheet metal
worker. The couple were wed in the living room of Ellen's childhood home
on July 2nd, 1949. After starting their family, they moved to Orange
County, California. Ellen embraced life as a homemaker, mother, and
devout Christian. Later, Ellen joined the ranks of the Yorba Linda mail
carriers as one of their first female mailmen. Retiring, the couple
moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Sadly, Arthur passed in 1998. Ellen
chose to remain for three decades in Lake Havasu and was involved at St.
Michael's United Methodist Church. During this time, she also cared for
her sister Janet Fisher and her adult son Stephen; both passed from
dementia. She then moved to be with family, living briefly in Broken
Arrow, Oklahoma before settling in Indiana with her daughter Janet and
grandson Frank Spennato. Ellen was known as a spitfire, a straight
shooter, and perhaps a little mischievous. She'd be the first to say she
was no saint. Above all she was known for her love, as she loved
fiercely. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, November
22nd at 2:00pm at St. Michael's United Methodist Church in Lake Havasu
City, Arizona. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in the
name of Ellen Wheeler to St. Michael's United Methodist Church.




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