Nancy Wheeler

Nancy Rose Wheeler, 93, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Columbia, Missouri.
She was born, November 4, 1931, on a farm on the south side of Moberly, Missouri, to James William and Ella Mae (Clickner) Williams.
Nancy attended Terrell Grade School, graduated from Moberly High School, and went on to attend Moberly Junior College.
On April 25, 1954, she married the love of her life, Lloyd Dallas Wheeler, at their pastor’s home in Moberly.
She worked at Paynes and Burtons Drug Store Ice Cream Fountain and later with Dr. Frey in his optometry office. While raising her children, she worked as a school bus driver, a role she loved and continued until the age of 76.
Nancy enjoyed anything crafty. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter, had a deep love for flowers—especially roses—and found joy in nature and bird watching.
She was a lifelong member of the Altrusa Club, Red Hatters and the Little Dixie Square Dance group, always staying active and involved in her community.
Most known for her feisty spirit, Nancy was passionate about life and truly lived it. She was “Mom,” “Grandma,” and a beloved friend to many. Kind, strong, and unassuming, she gave far more than she ever received. Her advice was often simple but powerful: “Turn it over to the Lord” and “Ask for His help.”
She lived simply, loved deeply, and cherished her faith and her family above all. Nancy always showed up for those she loved—often with her famous chocolate sheet cake in hand (a crowd favorite).
In her later years, she traveled frequently with her sister, Virginia (“Bitsey”) Vineyard, most recently taking took a road trip to Florida in December of 2023 to visit family.  Virginia survives and resides in Moberly, MO.
Nancy and Dallas raised four children: Robert Dale Wheeler (Madelyn), Dwight Douglas Wheeler, Annette M. Jennings and Bruce W. Fischer.
She was a proud grandmother to: Brian Wheeler (Lacey), Molly Wheeler, David Wheeler (Katie), Ashli Williams and Elizabeth Wheeler.
Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Haylee Wheeler, Terynce Wheeler, Lexcey Wheeler, Taegan Taylor, Jesse Wheeler, Lorelei Wheeler, Tobias Taylor, Adelaide Wheeler and Wheeler Ford Ash.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas; by her parents, James and Ella Williams; brothers George (Jack) Williams, Clyde Williams, Robert (Bob) Williams, and Albert (Bud) Williams; her sister, Kathryn (Kate) Merry; and daughter-in-law, Tina Wheeler.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and faith—a life lived well and a heart that touched many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in Moberly, MO.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation held, Tuesday, August 5, 2025 10am - 12pm at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a service honoring and celebrating Mrs Wheeler’s life at 12pm. Committal prayer and burial took place at Memorial Park Cemetery.