Joyce M. Wheeler passed away Oct. 1 at her home in Hines among family and friends.

Joyce was born March 1, 1938, at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, Wash. She spent a couple of early grade school years attending St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Pendleton. At an early age, she moved to Burns where she grew up and attended Burns schools.

Her father, William Kinder, worked construction. He lost his life in a construction accident while working on The Dalles Dam. Joyce’s mother, Margie Kinder, and grandmother, Hattie Schroder, owned and operated The Pine Room in Burns for many years. Joyce spent hours waiting tables in the Pine Room Cafe while growing up.

Joyce graduated from Burns High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Pat Wheeler, on April 4, 1959, in Burns. They were married for 58 years.

Joyce’s children and grandchildren competed (and are competing) in every activity resembling athletics at Burns schools, Bend High School, club sports, Banks High School, Linfield College, Western Oregon University, and Colorado College. She was the ultimate fan and traveled literally thousands of miles to watch, cheer, and, of course, defend them. After a few years, she became the ultimate authority on most all sports, and an excellent umpire and referee, even from high in the stands. It was truly amazing!

Joyce was a tireless worker. She cooked and served funeral lunches at the Holy Family Catholic Church for some 20 years. She served at the Senior Center for many years. She was chairman of the school board at Burns High School and handed out many diplomas to local students. She served on the chamber of commerce board, working on the Cycle Oregon Committee. She counted votes for countless elections and served on numerous other boards and committees, all the while raising her five children and doing her typical amazing job.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband, Pat; children, Jeff Wheeler (Tammy) of Hines, Kelly Atkinson (Darren) of Vancouver, Wash., Margie Hoag (Pete) of Forest Grove, Patrick Wheeler (Carol) of Hines, and Joe Wheeler (Jeannie) of Bend; grandchildren, Samuel Wheeler, Jessica Wheeler, Katie Hein, Jay Torland, Kinley Hoag, Dawson Hoag, Cassidy Wheeler, Tayla Wheeler, and Caitlin Wheeler; and great-grandson, Jaxon Hein. She is also survived by brothers, Bill Kinder, Joe Kinder, and Charles (Butch) Kinder; sister, Claudette Dieker; her best friend, Donna Nelson; two young men who she loved dearly, Cody and Landon Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Skip and Bob; and grandson, Jack Hoag.

As were her wishes, Joyce was cremated. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial were held in Burns Oct. 6 (Rosary) and Oct. 7 (Mass and private inurnment at Burns Cemetery).

When Joyce reached heaven, God gave a sigh of relief. He finally got the ultimate pattern for the perfect wife and mother. She will be missed by all those who knew her kindness and love.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Harney County Senior and Community Services Center and/or Burns High School athletics.

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