Evelyn Kay Wheelock

Evelyn Kay (Hazen) Wheelock, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10th, 2025.

Born on May 20, 1942 in Canon City Colorado, the fourth child to Ralph and Pearl Hazen.

She graduated as valedictorian in Canon City High school in 1960, and went on to become the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Southern Nazarene University in in 1964.

She met a young airman who was stationed in Colorado Springs, attending church with her cousins. He took her out roller skating and they attended church together. She married the love of her life, Daniel Wheelock, on December 23, 1966, beginning a marriage marked by deep faith, partnership and love. After Dan became ordained in the Nazarene church, they served together in ministry from 1969-1997 in Ardmore, OK, Altus, OK, Indianapolis, IN and Joliet, IL. Evelyn was a constant and faithful pastor's wife, often playing the piano during worship, helping with various ministries, in the church office, quietly helping behind the scenes, and offering practical and spiritual help to those in the church.

A devoted teacher early in her career, she chose to step away from the classroom to dedicate herself fully to raising her children- a role she embraced with patience and love. She maintained involvement in her children's schools as a substitute teacher. As her children grew older, she reentered the workplace with several fulfilling jobs including working in human resources for 18 years in downtown Chicago. She was always learning the changing computer systems and was the go-to person for computer related issues.

After retiring in 2013 she and Dan moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to live across the street from her grandchildren. Her home became a beloved gathering place, always filled with snacks, laughter and unconditional love. It was a place where the grandchildren were pampered after school. On Sundays, there was always a meal to be shared with the family after church. Her consistent presence brought joy and steadiness into the lives of her family in big and small ways.

After her daughter relocated, she once again left behind all that was comfortable and familiar to join the family in Miami, Florida. The Sunday lunches would continue, a simple tradition that reflected her love of family and her values.

She is remembered as a faithful Christian, a woman of quiet strength, deep kindness and unwavering love. As a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, she offered a beautiful example of what it means to live a life of service, humility, and grace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel on October 26, 2023 and by her brother Duane Hazen and sister-in-law Barbara Hazen.

She is survived by children, Darin Wheelock , Danette (Joel) Neikirk, grandchildren Jared (Lucianna) Neikirk, Alex Neikirk and Katelyn Neikirk, her sister Marilyn (Ken) Arnold and many nieces and nephews.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy of faith and love will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be Sunday Sept 14th 12-1 at Lake Funeral Home in Saranac, MI. Graveside service at 1:00 at Saranac Cemetery. A meal will be provided following the service at Pathway Wesleyan Church in Saranac.

Memorial donations may be made to Givejoy2one.org