Juanita Wheeler

L. Juanita Wheeler, 91, of Coffeyville, KS, died Friday evening, February 26, 2010 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. Juanita was born August 27, 1918 at Lockesburg, Arkansas to Jessie Franklin Slaton and Rosa May Johnson Slaton. She came to Coffeyville with her family at age four. Juanita grew up in Coffeyville and graduated from Field Kindley High School. She married George Remington Wheeler on August 21, 1937 at Independence, Kansas. The couple made their home in Coffeyville, before moving to Oregon so Mr. Wheeler could work in the shipyard foundry during World War II. In 1945, the couple returned to Coffeyville. Juanita worked as a seamstress for Lee Manufacturing in Cherryvale, Kansas and later, for Jolly Kids in Coffeyville. She opened her own ceramics shop in Coffeyville, called Nitas Gifts. Juanita enjoyed shell collecting and handcrafts, such as sewing and ceramics. She was past Worthy Priestess of White Shrine. Juanita was a member of Friends Church of Coffeyville and then Dearing Christian Church. Survivors are her four sons, Gene Wheeler and his wife, Charlotte of Coffeyville, Charles Wheeler and his wife, Fumiko of San Diego, California, Lauren Wheeler and his wife, Marita of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma and Patrick Wheeler and his wife, Vickie of Layton, Utah two sisters, Jewell Cornett of the home in Coffeyville and Delores Mathes of Universal City, Texas 14 grandchildren 23 greatgrandchildren and six greatgreatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by both parents by her husband, George, February 8, 1994 by a granddaughter, Kelly Knowles in 2003 by three brothers, Robert, Floyd and Donald Slaton and by two sisters, Arvylon Hufferd and Joyce Waggoner. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 2, at PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel with Pastor Jamie Regis, officiating. Interment will be in Coffeyvilles Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of PenwellGabel Funeral Home. Visitation will be Monday, from 1pm 8pm. Those who wish may make donations to the American Cancer Society and donations may be left with the funeral home.