INDIANAPOLIS, IN FORMERLY OF BARGERSVILLE, IN
Maryellen Wheeler, 90, of Indianapolis, IN and formerly of Bargersville, IN passed away Monday, January 4, 2021 at Franciscan Health Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. She was born November 29, 1930 in Greenup Township to Fanny Fisher (McCullough) and James Fisher. She was the third of six children. Growing up during the Great Depression and World War II had the family moving often. Maryellen graduated from High School in Waynesville, Ohio. She moved with the family to Southport, IN and began working at Stokely Van Camp where she would meet John Wheeler.
She married John Wheeler on September 21, 1951 in Southport, IN. He preceded her in death on January 31, 2014. In 1955 she began work at Eli Lilly and Company, where she spent the remainder of her professional career. Most of her time at Lilly was in the legal division. A highlight of her career was going to New York to do work on a Lilly acquisition, Elizabeth Arden. In 1989 she retired from Lilly and began enjoying a retiree lifestyle with John. Maryellen and John enjoyed traveling in their RV, which included wintering Florida and Alabama for many years. Home was a small working farm outside of Providence, Indiana, where they lived for decades. Maryellen was skilled in crafting baskets, stained glass, knitting, and numerous other artistic endeavors. She created many memorable pieces which are cherished by those who knew her. She was a talented, loving, and warm homemaker.
Maryellen and John were married for 13 years before they were able to have a child, a son, John Essex Wheeler II. John “Johnny” was the couple’s only child, and was always the light of Maryellen’s life. She loved being his mother, confidant, friend, mentor, and guide. They had a truly special relationship and beautiful bond. Her presence in his life will be greatly missed.
All six Fisher brothers and sisters had growing families in 1960s, and the family gathered often to spend time together. The family has not let those days go forgotten, and still gathers as often as possible. Maryellen enjoyed family and looked forward to any family event to make one of her signature cooking dishes. Maryellen particularly enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren, Jack and Natalie Wheeler. From the first time she saw their shinning little faces, she was taken. Jack and Natalie meant the world to Maryellen, and her memory will be forever in the hearts and minds of her two precious grandchildren. They adored her, and she them.
She is survived by her son, John Essex Wheeler II, married to Heidi of Carmel, IN, two grandchildren John “Jack” Essex Wheeler III and Natalie Ellen Wheeler, both of Carmel, IN, a sister, Jane (Fisher) Johnson (Melvin) of Trafalgar and two brothers, Fred Fisher (Pat) of Greenwood and Donald “Bud” Fisher of Florida; 12 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John Wheeler, her brother William Fisher and brother Bob Fisher, and several extended family members.
Due to COVID-19 Mandates, a private family service will be conducted and live-streamed for family and friends to connect on Tuesday January 12, 2021 at 6PM at www.swartzmortuary.com/obituary/maryellen-wheeler. Please use Firefox Internet or Google Chrome for optimal viewing. The Reverend Shan Rutherford will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 50 East 91st Street Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46240 or at www.alz.org. Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
