Obituary for
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.
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