Elizabeth Wheeler Obituary

Ahhh, so nice to see her beautiful face in my email this morning.
A wonderful light filled human.

I am so sorry to hear of Beth´s passing. She always seemed like human sunshine to me; she was a radiant and warm person who lifted others up. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her Mancos Valley community.

Beth was one of the loveliest people I'll ever meet. Every time she'd walk in, her smile, laughter, and passion for her students would brighten my little bookshop.
Beth was a true gift to so many and I shall miss her greatly!

Laughter and a ready smile. That was Beth in a nutshell. Beth brought joy and fun wherever she was. She leaves a very large hole in our lives, that can be filled only by following her example of love, laughter, and joy.

I had the privilege of spending a week with Beth in Houston over Labor Day. What a gift that week was for me . We laughed, cried and hoped. She was my sister in law and so loved by me and all of our family. Her legacy will live on in our acts of love.
We, Davis and Kathy are in awe of the community of friends who embrace and support Beth and Herb.
Here are a few great photos of a trip we shared in France just after Beth retired.

Beth always had a smile and kind words. She was an all around beautiful human.
We had fun tap dancing together for many years and I am grateful for having known her.

We met Beth first through music (Vixen), then through MVNat Park as Lucy Peabody, then through school as her volunteer in New Mexico, and always as our loving and compassionate friend. We miss you so. Much love to Herb.

The last time I visited with Beth I told her that she was the absolutely most kind and loving lady in Mancos. She was always considerate and giving. We shared our Shiprock teaching experiences and how we loved the Navajo students. My heartfelt condolences go to Herb and all her family members. Beth had such optimism and courage through it all and will always be an inspiration to those who have known her. God bless you, Beth!

Beth had great love of music and it came out in so many ways! As I knew her, this surfaced through playing hand drums, djembe. She and Herb spent many hours with me smiling and basking in the ancient rhythms. Condolences to Herb and those that knew her shining, supportive spirit. Blessings to her and the family.Du-- go do Du-- go do Du-- go do
Du-- go do.......

Everyone who knew Beth was blessed by her kind, sweet, radiant spirit. Condolences to Herb and all family and friends who will dearly miss her.

Friendship requires attention, energy, and time. Beth and I shared our friendship for many years. *Tap dancing, as we are pictured, awaiting a dance recital, was one of Beth's loves! And she was a fabulous tapper, always learning the syncopated steps easily, with the help of her musical drumming and rhythm talent!
*Paddling our inflatable kayaks, Punkin & Smirf, down the San Juan River. Calm water plus rapids!
*Laughing together-- we laughed a lot! And her laugh was the BEST!
I have learned from Beth: To be more kind, compassionate, nonjudgmental, to be present in the moment, and to spend more time in joy-producing activities, with those people we truly enjoy!
Each time I see a loved one suffering in pain, and I give the most possible support and comfort to that person, and then experience the pain of loss, I gain empathy. And for this, I am grateful, for any opportunity to share and connect with others in need. As Herb says, "We are all here to do for others."

I worked with Beth for a number of years when she taught struggling students to read at Central Consolidated Schools in Shiprock, NM. I know she was a positive influence on children and adults alike. I tried to emulate her calligraphy skills, but never could! My sincere condolences to Herb and family.

Beth and I met at Mesa Verde when we both worked in the research center and became life-long friends. She was a positive joy in every way, always upbeat and ready for the next adventure. I will miss her deeply. The photograph is of the two of us in March 1985 on the mesa.

In loving memory, Louise

I was very sad to hear of Beth's death. My condolences to Herb and the family.

Beth was a wonderful lady . . . she will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends. Recall her positive attitude and be inspired to live that way too.



her entire community.

Beth was such a positive, energetic, and enthusiastic lover of life. We mourn her loss, and celebrate her life and all the good she brought to so many. Long live the spirit of Beth Wheeler!

Beth was my cousin on the Frey side of the family. She, my cousin, Marsha, and I were born in the same year to the 3 Frey sisters. We always shared a special bond. How blessed we were to have Beth fly in from her cancer treatments in Texas, to be with us at the bi-annual Frey reunion this past July. Playing her ukulele, singing, laughing, smiling, and sharing with us for 3 days, is something that I, and the rest of the family, will always treasure. She shined her light on us one last time! Our reunions will never be the same without her. John Miller

Very sorry to hear about Beth. She was a wonderful teacher, and a wonderful woman. She will be missed!