Mary E. (Newkirk) Wheeler, 85, of LaPorte, died Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
She was born Feb. 15, 1930, in Oblong, IL, to Albert F. and Cora (Bonham) Newkirk.
Mary was a bus driver for the LaPorte Community School Corporation and retired in 1998 after 31 years of service. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, LaPorte, and taught Sunday school for several years. Mary enjoyed reading and puzzles.
On Dec. 20, 1947, in Valparaiso, IN, she married Edsel C. Wheeler, who preceded her in death Nov. 4, 2007.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Norma Jean Vawter and Betty Hesser; and two brothers, Jesse Carl Newkirk and Arthur Newkirk.
Surviving are one son, Michael (Marcia) Wheeler of Rolling Prairie, IN; one daughter, Rosanna Wheeler of LaPorte; one granddaughter, Jennifer (John) Alexander; and two great-grandsons, Corbin and Carter.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Jeff Hines officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 3 p.m. until the service. Burial will be in Patton Cemetery, LaPorte, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.