Velma LaVerne Wheeler

Velma L. Wheeler, 75 years old, longtime Worland resident passed away October 27, 2011 at the Worland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Velma was born on December 27, 1935 in Basin, Wyoming to Herbert N. and Marie L. (Boelens) Mills. She received her education in Basin, graduating in 1954. She married the love of her life, Donald E. Wheeler in 1956, in Chadron, Nebraska.

They lived in Alliance, Nebraska for a few years before making their move back to Wyoming. Velma coached Girls Athletics and taught Physical Education for 3 years in Basin, Wyoming before relocating with Don and her 5 children to Worland in 1966. She worked for Wyoming News Company wholesaler from 1967 – 1987 and retired to become a full time grandma and travel.

Velma belonged to Faculty Wives, during Don’s teaching years. They also belonged to several bridge clubs. She loved following her children and grandchildren in their sporting activities. She had a passion for all kinds of music, from Broadway to hymns. Through her life she sang with different groups and loved to yodel. Velma loved making things with her hands from jewelry to flower arrangements to crafts. She and Don loved to travel in their Motor Home, go fishing and camping in the Big Horn Mountains.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Michael Eugene; brothers Herbert, Harry and Miles Mills; sisters: Virginia Beck, Helen Hopkin, and Mary Toomey.

Velma is survived by her husband, Don of Worland; children: Janet McKillip, Palm Springs, CA, Lori (Scott) Carlson of Lander, Robyn (Don) Bryant of Worland, Miki (Milt) Avalos of Gilbert, AZ and Dennis (Melissa) Wheeler of Worland. Survivors also include her sister, Shirley (Tony) Rucki of Sheridan; grandchildren: Brandon (Kayla) Bryant, Brady and Bree Bryant, Lindsey McKillip, Ryan (Courtney) McKillip, Jason McKillip, Ashley and Neeley Carlson, Austin and Eric Avalos, Jordan Wheeler, Amanda, Nicole, Morgan and Chad Cross. Five Great Grand Children; Braelynn and Braxton McKillip, Madison McKillip, Karter and Kason Cross and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Worland with Pastor Kent Dempsey officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm at the Mount View Cemetery in Basin. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to services at the Church. Memorial donations may be made in Velma’s name for a fund to be set up at a later date in care of Bryant Funeral Home, PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.