Ellen Murdoch Wheeler

Ellen Murdoch Wheeler entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 in Portage, Indiana. She is survived by her children Ellen Ann Lopiano, Janet M. Wheeler, and Scott M. Wheeler; 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Arthur J. Wheeler, and two sons Stephen A. Wheeler and Mark E. Wheeler. Born to Archibald and Margaret B. Murdoch of Warwick, Rhode Island, she was the youngest of five. She aspired to become a seamstress and was a part time secretary at Brown University. This changed when she met her husband Arthur, a volunteer fireman and eventual sheet metal worker. The couple were wed in the living room of Ellen's childhood home on July 2nd, 1949. After starting their family, they moved to Orange County, California. Ellen embraced life as a homemaker, mother, and devout Christian. Later, Ellen joined the ranks of the Yorba Linda mail carriers as one of their first female mailmen. Retiring, the couple moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Sadly, Arthur passed in 1998. Ellen chose to remain for three decades in Lake Havasu and was involved at St. Michael's United Methodist Church. During this time, she also cared for her sister Janet Fisher and her adult son Stephen; both passed from dementia. She then moved to be with family, living briefly in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma before settling in Indiana with her daughter Janet and grandson Frank Spennato. Ellen was known as a spitfire, a straight shooter, and perhaps a little mischievous. She'd be the first to say she was no saint. Above all she was known for her love, as she loved fiercely. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 22nd at 2:00pm at St. Michael's United Methodist Church in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation in the name of Ellen Wheeler to St. Michael's United Methodist Church.