Ethel Beryl Wheeler, 94, died 2:15 A.M. on Sunday July 2, 2006 at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Home. She was born May 3, 1912 in Boone Co. to Henry and Anna (McColl) Wares. Beryl spent most of her life in Boone Co., attended Poplar Grove High School for 3 years and graduated from Belvidere High School class of 1930. She married Wayne E. Wheeler on August 16, 1935 in Poplar Grove. She and Wayne built and operated "Wheeler's Standard Station and Lunch" from 1934 to 1949. Beryl was a lifetime member of the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church where she was active in the Ladies Aid Society, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, organized and directed the Junior Choir for 8 years and played the organ for the church services for 46 years. For 15 years, Beryl worked in the laundry at St. Joseph Hosp. She taught piano in her home for nearly 50 years. Beryl was an active member of the Belvidere Comm. Concert Assc. and a volunteer and member of Belvidere Women's Club. She traveled extensively in the United States and abroad. She is survived by her daughter: Rhea (James) Overley of Mendoda, granddaughter: Liana (Tom) Allison, great-granddaughter: Larissa Rheann, great-grandson: Thomas James, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Wayne in November of 1982, twin great-granddaughters Ashley and Briana, brother Allen Wares, and sister Bernice Bullard.

Memorials may be given to the music department of the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church.