Patricia Jane Wilson Wheeler
Obituary
Patricia Wheeler died peacefully on June 30, 2023 at the age of 97 surrounded by her family.
Patricia Jane Wilson was born to Otto and Mary Ruth Wilson, June 25, 1926 in Burr Oak, Kansas, she was one of six children.
She graduated St. Josephs School of Nursing in 1947 where she met Roger M. Wheeler. They married and came to Tulsa in 1948 where they raised five children.
They enjoyed the outdoors, skiing, hiking and traveling around the world. The First Presbyterian Church became a major part of her family, and she spent her life supporting it while it supported her.
After Roger's death in 1981, she created a new life as a businesswoman developing interests in Oil and Gas, Distribution and Ranching. She volunteered her time and resources to boards, The Philbrook Museum of Art, The Tulsa Philharmonic, The University Center at Tulsa, The Gilcrease Museum of Art and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
Recognition from her participation came through induction in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1988. She received the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine Humanitarian Award in 1987 and the Tulsa Park and Recreation Department Council Oak Award in 1994.
A highlight in her life came when she attended a White House State Dinner at the invitation of President Ronald Reagan.
Roger’s death did not stop her. A lifelong traveler, her adventures took her to more than 27 countries, trekking from the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and China through the Takla Maklan Desert and the Old Silk Road and the Karakorum Mountains to the K2 Base Camp by way of Pakistan and the Khyber Pass into Afghanistan. She loved going "where man does not control his environment." – or her.
She will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and wit, her generosity, her love of the Tulsa community, and love of friends and family.
Patricia is survived by four children, Roger M. Wheeler, Jr., Pamela Wheeler Norberg, and David B. Wheeler (Laurie), Larry A. Wheeler (Cindy), eleven grandchildren - Trey, Clark and Grant Wheeler; Stephen, Brian and Jeffrey Wheeler; Hans Wilson Norberg, Sean and Margaux Wheeler, Shannon and Kelly Wheeler and six great grandchildren. She was preceded by Roger Wheeler and her son, Mark K. Wheeler (Rebecca).
A memorial service will be held for her at 1:00 pm Friday, July 14 at First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa for the benefit of Camp Loughridge.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Today is approaching May 27th (2024), an unforgettable date to me. In searching for where I might make a Memorial Day visit to Roger M. Wheeler’s resting site, I learned of Mrs. Wheeler’s passing. Had I known at the time, I would have attended her Memorial Service. Both she and Mr. Wheeler were and are still dear to me, along with their children. My memories of their many kindnesses and the excellent examples they were in many respects, indelibly shaped who I ultimately became along with the paths I chose. I wish I had had at least one more conversation with you. Thank you for everything, I will never forget.
Jennifer Gale Jones
Growing up with Mark while at Eliot and Cascia, Mrs. Wheeler was like a second mother to me and helped raise me in ways she'll never know. She was also kind to me and included me on their family trips in addition to motor cycle outings with Mark, Larry and Mr. Wheeler. She always had unlimited ice cream flavors and the best variety of toppings for us after school. I have some of the best memories growing up because of Mrs. Wheeler's hospitality and her love for Mark's friends. Unfortunately, I will be out of town on the day of her service and I will not be able to attend it. David Larsen
David Larsen
I visited with Pat at the Health Zone. She amazed me to see her workout. She was older than me but in better shape than I was. She was so sweet and I missed seeing her when she wasn't there. Sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many. Jacque Stobaugh
Jacque Stobaugh
Funeral Home Owner