Shelli Rae (Thompson) Wheeler

Shelli Rae (Thompson) Wheeler
December 23, 1963 – April 25, 2025

Shelli Rae (Thompson) Wheeler was born on December 23, 1963, to Marion and Karon (Evans) Thompson in Chariton, Iowa. She was raised in Lucas, attending Lucas Elementary School and graduating from Chariton High School with the Class of 1982.

Shelli brought light, strength, and compassion into the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived with an open heart and an enduring spirit that touched family, friends, and all who crossed her path.

She was a loving mother to her son, Ryan, and daughters, Samantha and Kailee, and a proud grandmother to her grandsons, Ryan and Behn. Her love for her family was endless and unwavering. Despite the many challenges she faced in life, Shelli’s resilience and kindness never faltered. Her strength was matched only by her empathy, and she will be remembered for her selflessness, her guidance, and her remarkable ability to make those around her feel loved and understood.

Shelli was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Karon Thompson; her maternal grandparents, Kermit and Mardell Evans; her paternal grandparents, Rodney and Eugenia Thompson; and her dear aunts and uncles: Keith and Joan Evans, JD Evans, and Keith and Joyce Anderson.

She is survived by her son, Ryan Williams; her daughters, Samantha Wheeler and Kailee Wheeler; her daughter-in-law, Caoana Williams; her grandsons, Ryan Williams and Behn Williams; her beloved grand-dogs, Seymour (Butts) Williams and Percy Wheeler; her stepmother, Kim (Green) Thompson; her sister, Shari (Thompson) Farrell; her brother, Michael Thompson; her aunts and uncles: Don and Karol Atwell, Rae and Gerry Evans; and many beloved extended family members and friends.

A public celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fielding Funeral Home. This will be a casual gathering in honor of Shelli’s spirit — no formal dress code is required. Friends and family are invited to wear blue, Shelli’s favorite color, in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the family to help honor Shelli’s memory and support final arrangements.

Shelli will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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