Anita Wheeler

Obituary for Anita June (Peters) Wheeler 1937 - 2020 Anita June Wheeler, 82, long time resident of Globe, departed this life on April 11, 2020, at Honor Hospital in Scottsdale. The second of five children, Anita was born June 1, 1937 to James F. and Helen M. (Ewald) Peters of Eagle River, Wisconsin. In 1951, the family moved to Tucson, Arizona for her father's health and Anita graduated from Tucson High School. She then attended the University of Arizona, Department of Agriculture where she met her future husband, Terence “Terry” O. Wheeler and also became a lifelong Wildcat and UA supporter. Anita landed a position with KTKT radio in Tucson. She loved being a part of the rock & roll era, working with top DJs and helping officiate the start of drag car races on Speedway Blvd. Terry and Anita were married in Tucson in 1957 and their oldest child was later born in 1958. Shortly thereafter they moved to Globe where the next four of their children were born. In 1963, Anita and her family moved to Chinle, Az., located on the remote Navajo nation. Their youngest daughter was born in 1964 and Anita settled into a life tending her six children, establishing a strong Christian foundation for the family and an appreciation of the outdoors. Even while preparing 3 meals a day and baking from scratch, Anita insisted the family gather for dinner every evening as a means to pray and stay together. Anita was the mother who supported her children in their school and sports activities, volunteered time with school functions, 4-H clubs, and hosted parties and events for the community. In 1968, the family moved back to the Globe area on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and Anita became very active as a 4-H sewing and cooking club leader. She worked as a Head Start teacher until she accepted the office manager position for the San Carlos Cattle Office. Any extra time was given to aid the San Carlos Catholic Mission and school. Anita and her family later moved back to Globe in 1972 to a house the family built. Anita loved the 70’s and 80’s spending time outdoors with her teenagers, friends and family. She was a founding member of the Gila County Cowbelles. When her children were grown she was able to indulge her passion for travel, moving to the Kingdom of Lesotho with her husband for 3 years. While they divorced in 1985, both remained good friends until the end. Her later travels took her to Spain, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, France, Brazil, Mexico and Canada, She loved Rocky Point and spent many summers on the ocean. Many will remember her time managing Dixon Oil Company or MV Enterprises, working for US Postal Service, or as the timekeeper for both Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company and Cyprus Copper Company. She was the bookkeeper for both Marcanti Construction and attorney Sev Huselid as well as running Pinal Equipment Rental. Her last position in the workforce was in accounts payable for the Arizona State Prison where she worked for 6 years. She finally retired when her rheumatoid arthritis had begun to take a toll. She managed to stay an avid golfer, member, secretary, and treasurer of the Corbre Valley Women’s Golf Association for over 15 years. She thoroughly enjoyed road trips and jaunts in a Cessna airplane as she explored the state with friends. The bowling alley was never more fun than when her ladies Budweiser bowling team was playing. Anita volunteered for the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and she was a big supporter of the local theater. She loved Chamber of Commerce events and generously gave numerous hours working on events and projects. She spent the majority of her retirement enjoying camping and fishing with her best friend and significant other, Baca Romero. Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends. She remained devoted to her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until the very end. Anita was preceded in death by parents James and Helen Peters, former husband Terry Wheeler, and nephew Anthony Peters. She is survived by her 6 children, Kevin Wheeler (Rebecca) of Chandler, Kit Ortega (Keith Cullen) of Tucson, Daniel Wheeler (Leslie) of Gilbert, Diane Kopf of Casa Grande, Nora Green (Dale Dalle Nogare) of Globe, and Eileen Terry of Globe; 13 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Terry Peters (Elsie) and Richard Peters (Jane); and 2 sisters, Kathleen Stoll and Susan Carter (Tom). Anita Wheeler was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor and friend. Whether it was her competitive drive on the golf course or her assessment of the latest political issue, her sense of humor and dry wit will be very much missed by all who knew her. Private services for Anita will be held Saturday, April 18th. The family is planning celebration of life at a later date. Rosary will be held at 9:30 A.M. at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 A.M. at the church. ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED TO 10 PEOPLE - STRICTLY ENFORCED.