Anita "Babe" Wheeler

Anita Louise Wheeler, locally known to most as “Babe”, passed away in Medford, OR on April 15, 2015. Babe was born in the old Siskiyou General Hospital in Yreka on May 9, 1937 to Maude and Robert Dalzell. Though Babe was given the birth name Anita, she was only Anita to some for a short time. Her brother Robert was the one responsible for her lifetime nickname of “Babe” as he couldn’t pronounce her real name and simply called her Baby, which converted to “Babe” over time! Babe grew up in Yreka and graduated with the class of 1955. Though she knew Kermith Wheeler in high school, it wasn’t until a few years later, at a Montague Jr Rodeo dance, that the couple took a liking to each other! Kermith and Babe were married on May 17, 1958, a marriage of 57 years! They had two children, Troy and Denita, and were very active in their children’s lives. Babe was at every Little League game, dance performance, and fundraisers for the Montague pool, Jr Rodeo, and other community projects. She was extremely active with the Jr Rodeo for many years and served numerous terms as their treasurer. Babe attended cosmetology school. She owned the Yreka Beauty Shop, operating out of the Warren’s building. Later, she took a job with the Montague School as the administrative assistant and continued working there for 26 years until her retirement. Babe enjoyed a variety of events throughout her life. She was a part of the Montague Variety Shows, the Montague Trail Riders, and a local bowling league. She and Kermith were “Snowbirds” and would leave each year to enjoy the Arizona area. A tradition was started 40 years ago with her best friend Darlene…”The Reno trip”… filled with fun, shows, gambling, shopping and many years of laughter and great memories! She was once told by Kerm “You’ll one day be a “Big Wheel” too! Now she’s the “Big Wheel” waiting for Kerm! Babe is survived by her husband Kermith of Montague, her daughter Denita Shinar of Seneca, OR, her son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Cleo Wheeler of Montague, her step brother, Don Cannon and wife Betty, her sister-in-laws and their spouses, Nola & Marino Rizzardo, Doris & Tom Callison, and Dona & Glen Schmidt, 7 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren with another baby due in July, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Robert, and her two step brothers, Clinton and Bill Cannon. A visitation will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at Girdner Funeral Chapel in Yreka from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Babe will be laid to rest with graveside services at the Evergreen Cemetery Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Following the graveside service, there will be a potluck reception at the Montague Methodist Church, 150 12th St., in Montague. Please contact Greta Hockaday for details 530.459.3036. Memorial contributions can be made to Montague Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 187, Montague, CA 96064 or Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097.

Anita "Babe" Wheeler

May 9, 1937 - April 15, 2015