of Benton, AR
July 22, 1929 - October 19, 2018
Shirley Lorene Rafter Wheeler, age 89, of Benton, passed away Friday, October 19, 2018. She was born July 22, 1929 in Phoenix, Arizona to Esther Claire Heald and Albert H. Rafter.
Mrs. Wheeler attended and was a faithful member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Benton, where she also graciously served as pianist for 29 years. She was easily described as being a housewife extraordinaire and a devoted wife and mother of six who was the foundation of her family and will be immeasurably missed by all of us.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, one sister, two children, Rhett Wheeler and Tammy Hobbs; and one granddaughter, Heather Hobbs.
Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Ted Wheeler; one son, Kirk Wheeler and his wife Willa, of Little Rock; three daughters, Vicki Smith and her husband Steve, of Hot Springs Village, Rhonda Phillips of Benton, and Kelly Goodrich of Bryant; 14 grandchildren, Carrie Finnegan, Kim Roach, Jeremy Wheeler, Ryan Mitchell, Jessica Looney, Amber Adams, Caroline Fowler, Kami Belew, Brant Hobbs, Chloe Goodrich, Evan Goodrich, Morgan Wheeler, Griffin Wheeler, and Judson Goodrich; and 24 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Benton, 2615 Lincoln Road.
Flowers can be sent to Roller-Ballard Funeral Home; 306 South Main Street, Benton.
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8 Condolence(s)
Rebecca Tully
Friday, October 26, 2018
Caroline and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her greatly. Your grandma always impressed me with her piano playing! Please accept heartfelt condolences from me, Melissa, and the girls.
Jodye Harrison
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Dear sweet family of mom Shirley,
Mrs Shirley was so precious to me from the first day I met her an grew to love her an Mr.Ted an her whole family.She will be greatly missed. I enjoyed taking care of her an she loved her kids an grandkids an was a beautiful woman inside an out.
Kathy and Dennis Smart
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Dear sweet Wheeler family,
I was so sad to learn of Shirley's passing. I wanted you all to know that thru the years anytime I thought about this precious lady it was of her beautiful smile and her laughter she had a truly wonderful laugh. But most of all I remember the love that filled your home. I know you will miss her. You all are in our prayers.
Beverly Cushing Sutton
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Shirley Wheeler was one of the kindest and sweetest people on the earth. She was aunt Mickey to my seven siblings and myself, and we all loved her very much. We have the fondest memories of her all through our childhood and up to the present. I enjoyed our long phone conversations the last couple of years, and I will miss her knowledge and her wit. She always made me feel special. She made everyone feel special. May God bless and comfort Uncle Ted and all our Wheeler cousins as they navigate through the grief of her loss. Rest in peace, aunt Mickey.
Kenny Hall
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Kirk ,Kelly and family, I am sorry to hear of your Mother passing away.Cherish the memories and love.God Bless you.
Janet Sadler
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Dear Wheeler Family
Shirley was a precious souls to my mother & me. She always had time to give an encouraging word. She opened her home to us. She was truly a bright light in her church & Community & family. I knew I had a friend in her. Jesus was the center of her life and others benefited from this. She will be greatly missed.
Reba Hargrove
Monday, October 22, 2018
Dear Wheeler Family. It's with sadness and sorrow that I learned of Shirley's death. It doesn't seem possible that she has gone to sleep in Jesus, but the resurrection morning is soon to dawn. She was a cheerful lady, beloved and always gave so much to the music at church. I always appreciated her ability to make music and share her talents with us all. May God be with each of you as you look forward to the day when she will come forth in the new morning of eternity. My heart hurts for you and I send condolences and sympathy. With love and prayers for all of you.
Reba Hargrove
Shannon Young
Monday, October 22, 2018
Sweet sweet woman. So glad I got to know her and spend time with her and Ted. Will forever be in my heart. So sorry for the loss of this amazing woman. Prayers for the family.