Hilda Kay Wheeler

Hilda Kay (Borders) Wheeler passed away on July 24, 2023. She was born on October 13, 1946 in rural Brownsville, Tennessee to Hugh and Willie Mae Borders. She grew up in the house where she was born. After graduating high school, Hilda moved to Memphis, Tennessee where she worked at Sears. 

Hilda met Floyd Wheeler while he was stationed in Memphis while in the Navy. She smiled so brightly when she would tell how they met. She said, "I went to the officers club to get a man and I got the best one!” They were married on June 29, 1969 at Holly Grove Baptist Church in Bells, Tennessee. She worked at Sears in Manhattan, Kansas while Floyd attended Kansas State University

She proudly had two sons, Clayton Wheeler of Neodesha, and Jason Wheeler of Marysville, Kansas. Hilda stayed home and was a homemaker while the boys were young. She helped start the Pre-K program in Neodesha serving as a part time teacher. She enjoyed being a room mother for many years through the kids' time in elementary school. She loved attending the boys’ school events and sporting events. Many will remember her cheering the loudest from the stands. She was an active leader of the Lucky Horseshoe 4-H club and an Honorary Chapter FFA Degree recipient from the Neodesha FFA. 

They moved to Washington, Kansas in 1974 and then to Neodesha, Kansas in 1979. Hilda enrolled at Neosho County Community College in 1987 to become a registered nurse. Her commitment to the care of her patients at Wilson County Hospital is fondly talked about by many she cared for. She helped deliver many Neodesha children until her retirement in 2008.

Hilda was the life of any party or gathering. She had an infectious laugh and loved to laugh and tease with loved ones. Her southern accent and sense of humor was always a great ice breaker. She loved shopping for anything and was a collector of many goodies. She also enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. She would often brag about how she always caught the biggest fish or the most fish. She enjoyed many activities, where she could spend time with her family and friends. She was an incredible cook and would cook very large southern style meals for family and friends.

Hilda is survived by her husband of 54 years Floyd Wheeler of Neodesha KS, sons, Clayton Wheeler of Neodesha KS, and Jason Wheeler and his wife Christine of Marysville KS, granddaughters, Cadence (Clayton), Jordan (Jason) and Lillie (Jason) Wheeler, grandson, Cashton Wheeler (Clayton), and sister, Linda Dodson of Tampa Florida, and many beloved nieces and nephews and in-laws.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, brothers, Harbert and Larimore, granddaughter, Caytlon, and grandson, Christian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the future education of Hilda’s grandchildren. Checks must be made out to Floyd Wheeler and can be sent to Loran Fawcett Funeral Home in Neodesha KS. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Loran Fawcett Chapel. The family will greet friends on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Loran Fawcett Chapel, with a Celebration of Hilda’s life immediately following at 6:30 pm. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com.