Edna Wheeler
Edna Marie Cote Wheeler, 99, of St. Ignatius, MT passed away at her home in St. Ignatius on Monday, May 24, 2010 surrounded by her loving family.
Edna was born on October 15, 1910 in Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada a daughter of Anna Marie and Jean Baptiste Cote. The Cote family moved from Canada on January 15, 1915 and established their permanent home in St. Ignatius, MT. The family homesteaded near Edna’s present home above the canal on Mission Creek Road.
She attended the Ursaline School in St. Ignatius and graduated in 1928. Edna then married Tom Wheeler on September 5, 1928 with a ceremony performed by Father Taelman at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. She worked alongside Tom in his logging and sawmill business and raised seven children.
Edna was a member of the now disbanded Women’s Club, held several offices in the Catholic Guild throughout the years, was the president of the American Legion Auxiliary, and was a member of the Foothill Club for 73 years. She was a dedicated and supportive member of the Catholic Church. Her stewardship included raising flowers for the altar, teach religious education classes, assisting with CVC events, founded the Ladies Guild along with Mary Michel, and assisted in fund drives for the church. Edna also worked for several physicians who practiced in St. Ignatius.
Besides her parents, Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Wheeler; her daughter, June Marie Orr; brothers, William (Bill), Leonard, and Ben; sisters, Emily. Hazel, and DoraMae; a grandchild, Dustin, and great-grandchildren, Eric, Cote, Devan, and Micah.
Those left with cherished memories are her three daughters, Jeannine Wheeler (J.C.) of Fairbanks, AK, Maryann Weingart (Bob) of St. Ignatius, MT, and Connie Sutten (Galen) of Fairbanks, AK; three sons, Tom Wheeler of Arlee, MT, John Wheeler (Jane) of Kodiak, AK, and Dennis Wheeler (Gaye) of St. Ignatius, MT and sisters, Jean Bosley and Lyla Smith. Edna also leaves behind 34 grandchildren, 84 great-grandchildren, and 26 great-great grandchildren.
A Rosary service will be held on Friday, May 28, 2010, 7:00 PM, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with Mass to follow on Saturday, May 29, 2010, 11:00 AM also at the church. Burial will then follow at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. A memorial dinner, hosted by the Catholic Guild, will be served after the graveside service at the social hall of St. Ignatius Catholic Church.
Memorials in Edna’s loving memory can be made to either the St. Ignatius Catholic Church’s restoration fund or to the Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena, MT 59601, or by visiting www.shodair.org. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Wheeler’s family.
LOVE YOU GRANDMA
FOR MY MOM ALSO YOU WELL ALWAYS HAVE GRANDMA IN YOUR HEART AND WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR BECAUSE YOU WELL SEE GRANDMA ALWAYS .
I LOVE YOU MOM . KELLY
We send condolences to the family at this time. Though we would like very much to be there with you it is not possible at this time. Certainly I, Ken, have many memories of Aunt Edna and family over the years. Linda has also been happy to know and visit with Edna over the years as we have been home on vacation. May God strengthen and comfort you all in this time.
We are so very sad to hear of the loss of dear Aunt Edna.Some of my favorite childhood memories of vacations in Montana have your wonderful family in them ….no matter what I saw your Mother doing she was always a very beautiful lady. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers ,Your cousin (Aunt Sadie daughter) Donna
It seems like such a short time ago that we all gathered for my Grandmother Hazel’s funeral. It is sad to see them pass on, however I know that they have a special place in Heaven for the work they have done here on earth. I know that doesn’t ease the pain today, but it will help in your tomorrows. Know that I am thinking of you, and will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. May God keep you safe.
Mary Clair (Patsie’s daughter)
Grandma,
We love you and miss you. We took for granted all the love and care you always shared. Your wit and humor will be carried with me forever. We promise to carry on the love and commitment to family that was so strong in you.
To my cousins, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there for the services, but cannot at this time. Please know that you will ALL be in my thoughts and prayers.
To the Mission Valley people. You have lost a true gem with the passing of Aunt Edna. For that I am also sorry.
Aunt Edna. I will always treasure the bible you gave to me 35 years ago. You will always be my God Mother, and I will treasure that as well.
Love Always,
Penny
Miss you and love you forever!
Dear Dennis and Gaye,
Your family was so very blessed to have your mother and her love and guidance for so many years, and we know you will miss her greatly. The love and care you and your family gave to her for so many years and especially at the last will bless each and every one of you in so many ways and in so many special memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Joan Brock
We will always have fond memories of Aunt Edna. She was a pleasant woman and loving family member. Our deepest sympathy to all her family.
We couldn’t attend the services because we were out of town. Again, deepest condolences to all the family. Jim, Jan and family.
Gramma Edna was a very important part of our lives. We will always remember her garden and beautiful flowers. We were fortunate to spend this last Easter with Gramma. We will miss her greatly.
Love Audrey and Shane