Melba Wheeler, age 81, of Cambridge went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 PM Monday, July 21st at Word of Life Ministries located at 6888 MN Hwy 95, Princeton, MN 55371.
Melba was born February 19, 1944 in Hereford, Texas to Ray and Hazel McKinney along with her twin sister, Elva. She was extremely close to Elva until her death in 1999. Melba grew up in the State of Texas and always had a strong southern accent. At age 18, Melba married John Olehy. During that marriage, she had two children, Sandra and Dean. She primarily worked as a store cashier. After that marriage ended, Melba met the love of her life, Richard Wheeler. They were married in Abilene, Texas on May 7, 1976. He had two sons from a previous marriage, Richard Jr and Robert. Richard and Melba were active in the Boy Scouts and enjoyed spending time camping and doing other outdoor activities with all four children and other scouts from the troop they led. Later in life, they had a positive impact on the children they cared for through foster care. Richard and Melba were inseparable. They were always together until his death on January 21, 2024. She moved to Minnesota in March 2024 and lived in the Levande Walker Methodist senior community. She was loved by both the residents and staff for her friendly, outgoing personality. People especially loved her southern drawl which is rarely heard this far north. Melba was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend who cared deeply for those around her. She especially enjoyed country music, cowboy boots, hats of all kinds, and her chihuahuas, Rosie and Lola. When Melba invited people into her home, she prepared her favorite meal for them hoping they enjoyed it as much as she did – taco salad and Pepsi.
Melba passed away peacefully and comfortably while receiving hospice care at Levande Walker Methodist on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the age of 81 years. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; twin sister, Elva; and brothers, Donnie, Jerry, and David.
She is survived by her children, Sandra (Mike) Farrell, Dean (Tracy) Gann-Olehy, Richard Jr (Jodi) Wheeler, and Robert (Tonya) Wheeler; grandchildren, Brandon, Wyatt, and Allyson; and by many other relatives and friends.
Melba was a wonderful sister in law that kept in touch with me even after the death of her brother, my husband David. When he was alive they talked frequently in the phone several times a week. I tried to call her at least weekly until she left for heaven. She will be dearly missed by my whole family and will live forever in our memories.
I only met Melba once. I went out for lunch with her family after church. As we were talking I discovered that my mom and her knew each other. My mom always talked about how strong and courageous Melba was and she said she had a little dog that she cherished.
So thankful to know that she is when the Lord now and all the pain and sorry is gone.