Mary Ann Wheeler died from complications of emphysema in Lincoln, NE at the Grace Space

Hospice House, with her oldest daughter, Fran, at her side on November 8, 2025.

Mary Ann is survived by her children, Frances Wheeler Schmid (Dan) of Nebraska; Thomas

Wheeler (Becky Kyker) of Florida; son in law, Ronald Hines of North Carolina; sister, Kathleen

Meloy Hoth (special friend, Marv Dickerson) of North Carolina; granddaughters Kathryn Schmid

Bowers (Nate) and Suzanne Schmid Faeh (Ryan) and great grandchildren, Noah, Connor, and

Josephine Faeh and Ethan and Samuel Bowers, all of Nebraska. Also survived by sisters in

law, Sharon Meloy of Wisconsin and Pat Meloy of Florida and Merrill Jaeger, also of Florida.

Also, missing Mary Ann are many nieces (especially Patty Hoth) and nephews.

Mary Ann was born to Angeline (Fox) and Vincent Meloy in Milwaukee, WI, on September

25,1932. After graduating from high school she began working for ALCOA. She married

Kenneth J Wheeler on February 14, 1953 and had 3 children (Frances, Cynthia and Thomas).

They spent about 18 months living in a very tiny trailer in Evreux, France, with baby Frances,

while Ken was active duty Air Force. They returned stateside to Kingston, NY (where Cynthia

was born) then moved on to Madison WI, and then to southern California (where Thomas was

born). There were several more moves including Colorado, back to California then to Raleigh,

up to Washington DC area, then finally back to Raleigh for retirement. While living in Raleigh

the first time, Mary Ann worked at Belks Department Store and then for the State of North

Carolina in the benefits entitlement office from which she retired. In 2020, Mary Ann moved to

Wilmington to remain close to Cynthia and Ronald. Then in 2023, she moved out to Nebraska

to be near Fran and her family.

Mary Ann was an avid cross stitcher and quilter. She delighted in sewing Easter dresses,

halloween and school play costumes for her granddaughters. She was also deeply attached to

her four schnauzers, Mitzi, Greta, Laci, and Graci. Her pies were fabulous and always

expected (and fought over) at family gatherings. Mary Ann was a very active member of the 55

Plus Club in Raleigh before her move to Wilmington. Her care givers described her as "feisty"

for good reason. Chocolate sustained her-especially Hershey kisses.

Those who preceded her in death include, her husband of 63 yrs, Ken; daughter, Cynthia

Wheeler Hines; parents Angeline and Vincent Meloy; sisters and their spouses-Jean and Don

Aberdeen, Eileen and Arthur Retzlaff, Patsy and Jim Quinn; brothers Dennis Meloy and Kenny

Meloy; and brother in law, Ronald Hoth.

Funeral mass and service will be held at St Rafael Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh NC

27609. Date and time yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers or if desired, donations can be made to the Grace Space, 1740 Superior St,

Lincoln NE 68521 or the Paul and Neva Grace Foundation (which helps cover cost for those

who cannot afford end of life wishes at the Grace Space-same address). The care mom

received there was very tender.