Margaret L. Wheeler

WHEELER — Margaret L. (Armstead), 91; born June 16, 1924, Sioux City, Iowa; died Nov. 10, 2015, Roseburg, Ore. Surviving: grandson, Marty (his wife, Cindy) Wimer; granddaughter, Susan Rubio Wimer; and 5 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Ally, Avery, Jackie and Eric.

She also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Jerry Wheeler, and his family, nephews, Rod Britt and Mike Armstead, nieces Kay Wells, Shesha Clinkbeard and Maria Lewis.

Margaret L. was the youngest of four girls born to John and Nellie Armstead. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Washington state, eventually settling in Darrington, Wash. Jack and Nellie had bought a large farm "on the prairie."

Unfortunatley they lost the farm in the Great Depression and had to move into town. Aunt Marg's mother died on ther 12th birthday, a loss that bothered her for years. At 17, she decided to move to Long Beach, Calif. Shortly after arriving there she met Mearl "Skip" Wheeler and six weeks later they were married. Upon his death in 1997, they had been married for 55 years. They had two daughters that unfortunately passed away at a young age. Marsha, six weeks after birth and Jackie, at age 23.

They visited Milo in 1983. I owned the property at the time. Uncle Skip asked her if she would like to live here? She said "not on his life." I sold them the property in 1984, and she quickly became the "Mayor of Milo."

She was a dedicated member of the Adventist church and volunteered at Dorcas every week, helping with potlucks and just being a good member. One of her favorite activities was taking in students from the academy. Over the years, she had some 16 students live with her. She would also transport the students for shopping, doctor's appointments and field trips. Many of the students who have lived with her have kept in contact over the years. Most notably Daniel Batchelor and Tom Watson, who have visited and were with her in her final days. She loved kids and was adopted by many of the neighbor kids who called her Grandma.

The other big passion in her life was the Milo Fire Department. Over the years she would sell raffle tickets, collected pennies, and solicited prizes from businesses to be given away at Milo Dinners.

The "Mayor" had a wonderful life, hard at tiems but as she said before passing away "Thank you Lord fora ll you have blessed me with!"

Her family who were welcomed into her heart and family, the Milo Church family and friends and other extended family that will miss her as she rests in peace.