Darlene J. Wheeler

Boonville - Darlene Joyce Wheeler, 90, beloved wife of Rev. William R. Wheeler (deceased 2019), passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, while at home with her devoted son and caregiver.

She was born March 30, 1935 to John George and Sophia (Konizewski) Benson of New Hartford, NY. She attended New Hartford grade and high school; Becker Jr. College in Worcester, MA; was past president-secretary of the Eta Kappa Sorority. She married the late William Ramsey Wheeler in 1957 at Grace Episcopal Church, Utica, NY. Moving to Richmond, IN Darlene and her husband were active at St. Paul’s Episcopal church. Darlene served on the Episcopal vestries in Richmond, IN; the Indiana Jaycees where her husband, William, was the former President; and was actively involved with her husband in the Cursillo Movement in IN, IL and NY. Both she and William helped in the prison ministries thru out Illinois; Served on the board at Matthew’s Place (Boonville); sang with the Gem City Chapter Sweet Adelines (Troy OH); Her love of singing continued here in Boonville with the Adirondack Community Chorus. She sang in the choirs in Episcopal churches in Boonville and Lowville, NY and Grace Episcopal Church in Mohawk, NY as well as serving on various pastoral care committees.

Moving from Richmond, IN to Dunlap, IL in 1973, she worked as a librarian, and teacher’s aid. Darlene was devoted to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Peoria, IL where she was active in choir; singing with the Hearts of Sweet Adelines, and was involved with Christian outreach programs.

In 1989 Darlene and Bill moved to Troy, OH and continued being active at St. Marks Episcopal church, Sydney OH; was a member of the Herb Society, and Late Bloomers Club. In 1992 she moved with her husband to the family homestead just outside Boonville. (The various volumes/journals of the Wheeler  family have been published and readable at both Erwin and Utica Public Libraries.)

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William R. Wheeler. She is survived by her children, David Wheeler, Pamella Wheeler Morris (Dan),  grandson Jacob S. Morris (Jessica), great grandchildren, Daniel and Juliana; granddaughter Danielle Nicole Hall (David), great grandchildren, Addison and Lillian; one sister, Laurel M. Miazga; college roommate, Martha Smart; Friend Anita Vanderbaam, Pat Bailey; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Darlene will be remembered for her gentleness, kindness, beautiful smile and devotion to God. Her many gardens and love of flowers only added to her  warmth, hospitality and love towards others. The family would like to thank the caring staff at Lewis County General Hospital Lowville, NY; Wynn Hospital Utica, NY and especially Lewis Co Home Health and Hospice for the support and care you showed Darlene and David.

An excerpt from Jennifer Weiner poem sums it up:…’her gentle spirit moves And is where beauty never wanes, Perchance by other streams, mid other groves; And to us there, ah! she remains…A lovely memory Until eternity; She came, she loved, and then she went away.’

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. David’s Episcopal Church, 140 Mappa Ave, Barneveld, NY 13304.

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 1pm at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 140 Mappa Ave, Barneveld, NY 13304. An internment at graveside at the Boonville Cemetery will take place prior at 10am. A reception follows the funeral service at St. David’s.

For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.trainorfuneralhome.com