Rose Wheeler

Rose Stimpson Wheeler

December 13, 1932 – October 23, 2025

Rose Wheeler was born on December 13, 1932, in Glover, Vermont, to Harris and Gertrude (Drew) Stimpson. She passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, in Summerfield, Florida, with family by her side. A 1949 graduate of Lyndon Institute, Rose began her career at St. Johnsbury Trucking, where she worked as an accounting clerk before marrying the love of her life, Douglas Wheeler. The two met in 1950 on a blind date arranged by Doug’s sister, Norma, and married on December 22, 1951—beginning a partnership that would last more than seven decades. Throughout Doug’s 22-year career as a U.S. Army officer, Rose supported him wholeheartedly while raising their four children. Together, they built a life that took them across the country and abroad, living in Germany, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, and their home state of Vermont. Rose’s strength, warmth, and sense of humor made every new place feel like home. She was a dedicated homemaker, known for feeding family and friends their favorite meals and desserts—and for baking the world’s best chocolate chip cookies (a claim no one who tasted them would dare dispute).

After Doug’s retirement, she continued working, handling bookkeeping for his business, Caledonia Air Services. She later worked part-time at The Daffodil in Lyndonville and at Hovey’s Shops in St. Johnsbury, where for many years she shared her friendly spirit and eye for style. She and Doug spent many happy years wintering in Bradenton, Florida, where she loved visiting the beach with family. Rose also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends, reading, bowling, hosting memorable yard sales, and gathering her loved ones for Sunday dinners, cookouts, and the big, laughter-filled Christmas celebrations she adored. Since 2023, Rose had spent her remaining time living with Doug at their daughter Debra’s home in Florida until it became necessary for her to enter memory care and, later, hospice.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Hazel True, and her brother Harris Stimpson Jr. Rose is survived by her husband, Douglas Wheeler; their four children, David Wheeler (Cindy) St. Johnsbury, VT, Debra Sears (Jim) Summerfield, FL, Stephen Wheeler (Val) Richmond, VT, and Melissa Nutter (Bob) Franconia, NH; eleven grandchildren—Nathan Wheeler, Nicholas Wheeler, Tricia Sears Hill (Jamie), Heather Wheeler Conde (Sam), Joseph Wheeler (Tara), Andrew Wheeler (Libbie), Drew Wheeler, Jacob Wheeler, Robert Nutter Jr., Jonathan Nutter, and Sarah Nutter; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Rose’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love for her family will be remembered always.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the caregivers and staff of Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, for their exceptional compassion and care, which comforted both Rose and her family during her final days.

Friends may call on the family Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 4-6pm at Guibord-Pearsons Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Lyndonville, VT. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10am at the same location. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Randolph Center, VT.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Rose’s memory to consider a donation to Lyndon Institute - P.O. Box 127, 168 Institute Circle, Lyndon Center, VT 05850; or to The Alzheimer’s Foundation - P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at CaledoniaLifeServices.com