WHEELER, Marilyn Virginia

Today's New-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted on March 21, 2018 - Marilyn Virginia Wheeler, 85, of Lake Havasu City, passed away from complications related to cancer on Jan. 13, 2018. She was born July 14, 1932 in Peoria, Illinois to Virginia and Robert Houser. She graduated from Manual High School in Peoria. Marilyn was introduced to Charles Wheeler on a blind date the summer of 1951. She always said she knew she was in love by the fall of that year. They married May 3, 1952 in Peoria, Illinois. Marilyn began her career as a cosmetologist and went on to work in graphic arts, printing and photography. Charles and Marilyn began their journey in Augusta, Georgia, next moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, and on to California, where they lived in Thousand Oaks, Monterey, Palo Alto, Moss Landing, and Castroville. They retired to Lake Havasu City in 2000. She loved sewing, travel, dancing, decorating and homemaking. Her happiest times were spent sharing good food and good conversation with family and friends. Marilyn fought her cancer with a brave and determined attitude. She suffered no pain and faced each new day with a peaceful acceptance and a sense of humor. Mom looked back on her life with contentment and gratitude. She enjoyed the love of a good man, a happy family life, and the love of many close friends and relatives. She was the glue that held our family together. Marilyn was a classy little lady full of kindness and concern for all. She was a special woman who was a gift in all of our lives…so cute and “well put together.” We have the comfort of knowing we will see her again. Marilyn is survived by daughter Karen Wheeler (Richard Vaught) of Montrose, Colorado and William (Billy) Wheeler (Kimmy Wheeler) of Fort Bragg, California. Marilyn was predeceased by husband Charles Wheeler on July 1, 2006. Our family extends a special thanks to Hospice of Havasu for its ongoing compassion and concern for our mother and family. A memorial is planned for late summer in Reno, Nevada.