Mary Virginia Wheeler

On March 20, 2025, Mary Virginia Buehler Wheeler, one of the greatest daughters of our Father in Heaven passed away due to natural causes at the age of 97 in her home in Washington, Utah. Born to Charles E. Buehler and Zelma Shaw Buehler on December 2, 1927, in Heber City, Utah. Mary was the fourth of eleven children, comprising three boys and eight girls.

Mary spent her early years on the Buehler Farm in Midway, where she helped with farm chores and enjoyed playing near the Provo River that bordered their property. Often her mother would keep her inside to assist with household chores, a duty Mary excelled at due to her conscientious and meticulous nature-a trait she maintained throughout her life, always keeping her home immaculate. She attended Midway Elementary and Wasatch High School, where she was actively involved in the Mormon Church.

During her late teens, Mary met Jerry Richards. They married and embarked on a life together, working in the Bristol Silver mines in 1946 with their young son, Joe and two-week-old daughter, Jill. The family later moved to Tim Piute, where Mary began her first job outside the home, serving food to miners. Mary and Jerry eventually expanded their family to include four children: Sheila and Kenneth followed by Joe and Jill.

In 1957, Mary moved to Kearns, Utah and worked at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, progressing from receptionist to Dance Analyst. Here she also welcomed her fifth child, Susan Jane. Her marriage to Jerry ended in 1960.

A chance outing in August 1960 led Mary to meet Dale Wheeler, a young university student, at a dance. They married in May 1961 and enjoyed over 64+ years together, welcoming their son Todd Jason Wheeler during this time. Dale's career took them to Redlands, California where he worked for Lockheed Missile and Space Company, and Mary held numerous leadership roles in the LDS Church.

The family returned to the Salt Lake/Provo area in 1976. They settle in Highland, Utah in 1977, where Mary pursued a successful career in real estate, eventually serving as President of the Utah County Board of Realtors and excelling financially.

Mary's warm, charismatic spirit made her a beloved figure in both her professional and personal life. She served her community and church with dedication, including working as an ordinance worker in the Provo and Mt. Timpanogos Temples. Mary and Dale enjoyed extensive travel and were active in various hobbies.

After a vibrant life filled with love, accomplishment, and community service, Mary and Dale became permanent residents of their retirement home in Washington, Utah in October 2021.

Mary was preceded in death by three of her children: Joseph M. Rickards, Sheila Rickards, Kenneth J. Rickards; an infant granddaughter, Sariah Jane Wheeler; a grandson, Aaron Stark; sisters: Janet Richardson and Marjory Mahoney; and brothers: Dean Beuhler, Max Beuhler and Kent Beuhler. She is survived by her husband, Dale A. Wheeler; children: Mary Jill Zeller, Susan Jane Fereday and Todd Jason Wheeler; along with 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Mary will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Highland 25th Ward Chapel, 5848 West 11000 North, Highland, Utah. A viewing will be held on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in Midway Cemetery, Midway, Utah.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences.