Mavis Joan (Armstrong) Wheelock, lifelong resident of Waseca, MN joined other family members in heaven on Sunday, September 27, 2015 and ended her challenge with chronic illnesses at age 81.
A colorful and vivacious woman known by or related to almost the entire county, she is remembered for her sense of humor, smile, amazing memory, colorful hats, and zest for life. Sassy and classy—she was one of a kind. Those attending services are encouraged to wear bright colors in her honor!
While attending Sacred Heart High School, she met Robert (Bob) Wheelock, the love of her life and husband of 47 years. She graduated in 1952, and her high school friends remained close throughout her life. Bob and Mavis married in 1954, then lived in Germany while Bob was in the Army before returning to Waseca County to farm and raise seven children.
When all the children started school, Mavis began her 30-year career at Waseca Area Memorial Hospital, retiring as Director of Materials Management/Purchasing. After she retired and Bob sold the dairy cows, they were able to travel with their trip to Alaska being a highlight.
Mavis loved spending time with people, took interest in their lives and possessed an uncanny ability to remember names and details. A walking, talking family historian, she was a keeper of stories and stayed in touch with relatives all over the country. Weddings, graduations, showers, baptisms, birthdays, …“whatever” …if it was a celebration, she was there! It was hard to find her at home as her bridge games, church circle, Red Hat group, dinners at the VFW, trips with friends, and family events kept her active and “on the go.” When she was home, she enjoyed talking on the phone, reading newspapers, and watching game shows.She was most proud of, and her family is most grateful for, her selfless devotion to Bob and family, facilitating post-high school education for all her children, sharing in their successes, and warmly welcoming in-laws and many great/grandchildren into the family.
She was predeceased by husband Bob and youngest son Patrick. She is survived by children Lynette (John Zattoni) Wheelock, Mark (Diane) Wheelock, Marianne (Scott Kajer) Wheelock, Pamela Wheelock, Greg (Donnette) Wheelock, Kent (Sue) Wheelock, numerous great/grandchildren, brothers Wayne (Laurie) Armstrong and Wendell (Ruth) Armstrong, and sister-in-law Theresa Wheelock.
Arrangements by McRaith Funeral Homes of Waseca. Visitation/services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 111 Fourth St NW, Waseca, MN.
Visitation begins Wednesday, September 30, 5-8 p.m. (prayer service at 8 p.m.) and continues Thursday, October 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m The Mass of Christian Burial follows at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Education Endowment Foundation, 308 West Elm Ave, Waseca, MN 56093 or Mayo Clinic Health System-Waseca, 501 N State Street, Waseca, MN 56093.
For online tributes and further information, please visit www.McRaithFuneralHome.com