Ricky Angela and Samantha Wheeler

Ricky, Angela & Samantha Wheeler DENVER Ricky Migael Wheeler, of Denver, NC died Sunday, February 6, 2011. Rick will be missed by those who knew him. He was described by friends and family as a dedicated husband, father, talented mechanic and carpenter. He was dedicated to his family whether at work or play. Family activities were planned with all family members in mind. Rick was careful to harbor friendships to include families of similar circumstance and common interest. Rick worked with his wife, Angie to provide support for their daughter, Samantha in her activities. Samantha was the center of focus for this family. Ricky was a provider and protector and dedicated to the cohesion of the family unit. Rick Wheeler and his family will be missed. Ricky Migael Wheeler is survived by his mother, Tonya Hovis and step-father, Mark Hovis of Lincolnton; brother, Nikeya Wheeler of Charlotte; sister, Donielle Gowans of Denver; and a grandmother, Marlene Livingston of Little River, SC. Angela Battern Wheeler (Angie), of Denver, NC, devoted mother of Samantha, and wife to Ricky, died early Monday morning, February 7, 2011. Angela, "Angie" will be missed by a great number of friends and family. Described by friends as dedicated to her family, and a fully supportive parent, Angie was always concerned with what was best for her family. This commitment to her husband and daughter was evident in every action. She tirelessly worked to make arrangements to attend school functions in support of Samantha "Sam." Angie was a mother who anticipated every need and recognized the difference between needs and wants. This trait helped to put Sam on the road to becoming a responsible young adult. Angie instilled in Sam respect and concern for others, by living her own life with those personal values as an example. Angie made sure Sam was able to participate in many activities at school, church and community. Angie was an asset and dedicated co-worker and is missed by those who share that 9 to 5. Angie had many friends, friends that shared experiences of raising children during these difficult times. Angie was loved and will be sorely missed by friends and family. Angela Battern Wheeler is survived by her mother and step-father, Marti and Dennis Koch of Berwick, PA; father, Mike Battern, Sr. and step-mother, Poppee, of Cleveland, MO; brother, Mike Battern, Jr. of Fairfield, PA; step-sister, Karen Koch Babich of Berwick, PA; grandmother, Flora Evans of Conygham, PA; and grandfather, Ivan Battern, Sr. of Canadensis, PA. Samantha Wheeler, 14, of Denver, NC, died Sunday, February 6, 2011. "Sam", "Sammy," will truly be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Described by friends and classmates as a sweet quiet girl, she was well liked by all who came in contact with her. Talented and active in school functions, she was an officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program and a member of the Mill Creek Middle School's cheerleading squad, where she was remembered as always having a kind word to say and being supportive of the squad. Sam was involved in many activities in the community and was a faithful attendee of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Youth group. Sam was dedicated to her family, friends, school and community. Sam was remembered by her teachers as an honest person with a strong sense of integrity, who will be missed by all. Sammy was loved and loved others. She was on her way to doing wonderful things and touching many more lives with her uplifting smile. Our world is forever changed with the loss of Samantha Wheeler. Samantha is survived by her grandparents; Dennis and Marti Koch of Berwick, PA, Mike Battern, Sr. of Cleveland, MO, Mark and Tony Hovis of Lincolnton, NC; great-grandmothers, Flora Evans of Conyg-ham, PA and Marlene Lvingston of Little River, SC; and a great-grand-father, Ivan Battern, Sr. of Canadensis, PA. The family will be remembered during a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011 at Denver United Methodist Church, 3910 Hwy 16 N., Denver, NC 28037. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Smile Train, 41 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010 or to Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 North Cedar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Condolences may be sent to the Wheeler family at www.drumfuneral home.com. The Wheeler family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton.