Barbara Wheeler

Barbara Boomer Wheeler, 87, died November 21, 2011, surrounded by family members in Durango, Colo. The cause of death was complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Her family remembers her as a devoted wife and mother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is best remembered for her compassionate nature.

Born May 12, 1924, to Walter and Grace Thayer in Providence, R. I., Barbara had a love for math and wanted to become a teacher but instead went to Nursing School. Barbara graduated from the Homeopathic Hospital of Rhode Island Nurses Training Program in 1945. Barbara worked in many hospitals during her career. During reflection she said she most enjoyed working in the nursery with the babies.

Barbara met her beloved husband of 62 years after World War II ended. Barbara was walking down a farm road and Gilbert was working on the grain silo at his family’s farm. Gilbert saw her coming from a distance and decided he had to meet her. Gilbert got his wish and she soon became his bride. Over the next ten years the couple welcomed four daughters, Susan, Diane, Gail and Ellen.

In 1971, the family moved to Yuma, Ariz., and Barbara worked as an RN at Yuma Regional Medical Center until her retirement.

After Barbara retired she maintained an active lifestyle for many years. She worked as a volunteer for Hospice of Yuma, traveled annually to see her daughters and grandchildren, involved herself with her church, Calvary Lutheran Church, continued to quilt, crochet and scrapbook, and most importantly maintained a loving relationship with all of her family members.

Her husband Gilbert preceded Barbara in death. Four daughters, Susan Giddings of Durango; Diane Wheeler of Chula Vista, Calif.; Gail Rhoton of Lock Haven, Pa.; and Ellen Hobbs of Yuma, Ariz.; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive her.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2011, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Yuma, Ariz.