Shirley T. Wheeler

Wheeler, Shirley Theresa (nee Dreyer)  

Was called home to be with the Lord Our God on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the age of 87, just 9 days shy of her 88th birthday. Shirley is preceded in death by husband Bob; sister Joan; Parents William and Pauline Dreyer (nee Roth); daughter Charise; and grandson Robby (surviving Catrisse). Shirley is survived by beloved children Bobby, Jerome, Janet (Bruce), Maryann, and Michelle; cherished grandchildren Crystal (Micky), Aaron, Brittney (Trevon), Jessie, Melissa (Mike), Gregory, Tricia (Jeremy), Amanda, Abby, Candice, Amber, and Steven; blessed great-grandchildren Faith, Christian, Michael, Andrew, Raelynn, Zora, Gavin, Brenden, Kaylee, Brooke, Ava, Justin, Mikayla, Mikenna, Mikey-boy, Bella, Jude, Greyson, Leo, Alexyus, Maddyn, Maeryn, 2 expected in the Spring of 2024 and dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. 

Shirley loved her family and friends first and foremost. Growing up, Shirley was active in a teen club called the Skyhawks where she could often be seen proudly wearing her Skyhawks jacket. She met Bob when they were both 13 and married when they were 20. Throughout her life, Shirley continued to have a variety of hobbies; she loved to sing karaoke & play the piano, even teaching piano lessons to others. Shirley also took karate lessons. She loved to go to yard sales and flea markets, and eventually became a vendor for them. She also enjoyed double coupon days and had a $5 limit to play slots on a boat. She loved to go out to eat and would enjoy returning home with “doggie-bag” of leftovers for later.  Shirley was known for many things, but perhaps she was most well known for being the voice of reason in a given crowd or situation. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

Visitation Saturday December 2, 2023, at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South City Chapel, 7027 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., with life celebration service from 2-3 p.m. also at the funeral home.