Kermith Ray Wheeler

Kermith Ray Wheeler, “Kerm” was reunited with his beloved wife, “Babe” on June 27, 2017. Kerm passed away at his home un-expectantly. Kerm was born in Grand Junction, Colorado on March 30, 1934 to Ray and Ila Wheeler. Kerm’s family lived in Rifle which is similar to Montague, it was a small busy community. From an early age, Kerm did not know a stranger. He was always interested in what others did for a living or enjoyed visiting about family. One of his well-known greetings was an old fashioned… “How Do?” Kerm and his family moved to Montague in March of 1950. He was the oldest of four with three sisters, Nola, Doris, and Dona. He took the responsibility of “Bubby” seriously and loved each sister dearly. Kerm attended and graduated Yreka High School with the class of 1952. Kerm served with the US Navy aboard ship for two years during the Korean conflict and was based out of Norfolk, Virginia. He had great love and respect for his country and for the “Stars and Stripes”! Kerm met Babe while attending Yreka High but it wasn’t until a few years later at a Montague Jr Rodeo dance that Babe and he became a “couple.” Kerm and Babe married on May 17, 1958 a total of 57 years. Together they had two children, Troy and Denita, which they poured every bit of attention in to. Kerm was the definition of a “family man” and provided for his family as a construction contractor by trade. He worked alongside Earl Cummings until Earl’s retirement from ER Cummings and then he partnered with John Attaway, forming Eagle Construction. Using his talent and trade, Kerm helped build the Montague City Pool, Montague Rodeo Grounds, Diggle Field along with many bridges, residential and commercial buildings throughout Northern California. One of his proudest accomplishments was erecting the steeple on top of the Little Shasta Church. Kerm was a huge supporter of anything happening in the communities! He and Babe were involved in the Montague Variety Shows and both were members of the Montague United Methodist Church. He was Past Master of Greenhorn Grange #384 and was also involved with the Montague Community Club. Kerm had a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed packing, hunting, and fishing in the Marble Mtns. His favorite pack mule was “Sabbath” and he was known to have visited Grants Meadows, Bugs Gulch, and the Marble Rim. Kerm was devoted to keeping America Free and was a member of the NRA. In his later years, Kerm attended any event of his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He and Babe enjoyed being “snow birds” and spending time with family and friends. Kerm lost Babe on April 15, 2015. Though he remained strong, his heart continued to hurt and he looked forward to the day of seeing her again. On December 7, 2015, Kerm lost his dear “little” sister, Dona Schmidt. Kerm is survived by his daughter, Denita Shinar and Ben Nielsen of Seneca, OR; his son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Cleo Wheeler of Montague; his sisters and their spouses, Nola and Marino Rizzardo, and Doris and Tom Callison; his brother-in-law, Glen Schmidt and his brother-in-law and wife, Don and Betty Cannon; 7 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Girdner Funeral Chapel. Kerm will be laid to rest next to Babe with graveside services at the Evergreen Cemetery Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Following the graveside service, there will be a potluck reception at the Montague United Methodist Church, 150 12th Street in Montague. Please contact Greta Hockaday for details 530.459.3036 Memorial contributions can be made to Rogue Valley Dialysis, Patients Trust Fund, 760 Golf View Drive, Suite #200, Medford, OR 97504; Montague United Methodist Church, (Capital Improvement Fund) PO Box 187, Montague, CA 96064 or the Montague City Pool, PO Box 428, Montague, CA 96064.

Kermith Ray Wheeler

March 30, 1934 - June 27, 2017