Mary Wheeler

Mary Kathryn Phillips Wheeler, 88, died peacefully October 11, 2019 surrounded by her loving family at her home in Ashland, Kentucky following a brief illness. Born and reared in Boyd County, she spent her entire life here. Mrs. Wheeler was a woman of many accomplishments. Mother to 7 children, grandmother to 9, great grandmother to 12, and great great grandmother to 1. Mary and her husband former Kentucky State Representative Charles D. Wheeler were owners of Wheeler and Williams Hardware. Mary served as Chairwoman of the Boyd County Republican Party for over 30 years, and was selected as a Delegate to the 1996 Republican National Convention in San Diego, CA. In addition, Mary Kay was appointed by Governor Ernie Fletcher to serve as a member of the Kentucky State Historic Preservation Board. Mrs. Wheeler was active in community service and often traveled to Morehead State University events where her husband Charles was appointed as a Regent under Governors Louie B. Nunn, Martha Layne Collins, and Wallace G. Wilkinson. Although Mary Kay had many roles, her favorite was as “Mimsey” to her grandchildren whom she adored. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her children Leslie Wheeler Cogan (Stephen), Lexington, KY, Dr. Charles P. Wheeler, Sr. (Robin), and Laurence E. Wheeler (Theresa) of Pikeville, KY, Dr. Dana W. Wheeler(Jimmy) of Charleston, SC, and Leigh Ann Wheeler Mullins ( Vernon) of Flatwoods, KY. Grandchildren Kevin Cornett (Tiffany), Kyle Cornett (Rachel). Kentucky State Senator C. Phillip Wheeler, Jr., Esq. (Crystal), Brandon Wheeler, Ashley Wheeler Lopez (Martin), Robert Clark (Sarah), Elijah Mullins (Kacie), Ramsey Mullins, and Whitney Wheeler Mullins (Matthew). 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson.
Mrs. Wheeler was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Charles D. Wheeler, two sons, Clark V. Wheeler and Ramsey C. Wheeler. Parents Laurence A. Phillips, Sr. and Lucy A. Lakin Phillips. Brother Laurence A. Phillips, Jr.

Visitation will be Tuesday October 15th at noon, Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel, with service to follow at 1:00 PM by Pastor Bruce Wheeler of Bloomington, IN. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.