Della Frances Wheeler

Della Wheeler, 85, of Cave City, Arkansas passed away on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Bald Knob, Arkansas.

Della was born on March 4, 1941 in Oil Trough, Arkansas to Jack and Etmoes (Pankey) Webb. She was soon joined by siblings Sharon and Jim. She told stories of picking cotton in the fields.

Della was married to Raymond Wheeler on February 18,1961. Their family started in 1962 with the birth of their first daughter, Pam in Fort Leonardwood, MO. After Ray’s military service, the family moved to West Unity, OH (near Michigan) and welcomed two more children, Missy and Kenny. Della and Ray remodeled a house in town then a house in the country for their family as well as a house to rent. Ray and Della worked at the turnpike. Della enjoyed canning, gardening, crocheting, and antiques.

The family moved to Arkansas in 1976 for Ray’s employment at General Tire (GenCorp) and lived in Cave City. In the 80s and 90s, Della and their daughters joined him at General Tire (GenCorp).

As Papaw Ray and Mamaw Deli, they moved to their place on Green Thumb Rd in 1990. Ray created trails and ponds and maintained the park on his tractor. Della managed interior decorating (lots of wallpaper), porches, bird feeders, and flowerbeds. Grandchildren loved to hike the trails, hunt in the woods, and fish in the ponds.

Della was known for homemade noodles on her giant butcher block. She loved flowers and would grab cuttings anytime and anywhere. Her most cherished propagation is the “Motel Rose” she found at a motel on a family road trip. It now has roots in Velvet Ridge and Evening Shade.

Ray and Della were very active members of Liberty Full Gospel and invited their family. They had a fondness for the underdog, always built people up, and encouraged forgiveness.

Ray and Della welcomed their first great-grandchild before his passing, and several more came after. Mamaw became “Maw” to the next generation. As she slowed down, she never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune. She always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress and honed her crochet skills.

In 2016, Della’s mobile home was placed behind the home of her daughter, Pam. Della gave her son-in-law specifications and oversaw the construction of her new porch and flower beds. She attended Bald Knob United Pentecostal Church until health limitations no longer allowed.

Della was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Wheeler; her daughter, Melissa (Wheeler) Burleson; her parents, Jack and Etmoes Webb; and her brother, Jim Webb.

She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Waymack (Kenneth) of Bald Knob, Arkansas; her son, Kenny Wheeler (Denna) of Evening Shade, Arkansas; eight grandchildren: Joshua (Kelly) Waymack, Ashley (Steven) Merrell, Seth Waymack, Shannon Herndon, Whitney Magness, Ethan (Haley) Burleson, Jessica (Donnie) Wright, Cody (Sullivan) Wheeler; thirteen great-grandchildren: Finley Waymack, Laken Merrell, Lynnlee Merrell, Hadlee Waymack, Katy Herndon, Desaray Herndon, Ruger Dempsey, Sawyer Magness, Jonah Burleson, Melody Wheeler, James Wright, Bennett Wheeler, and Jovie Wheeler; her first great-great grandchild born hours after her passing; and her sister, Sharon (Arlon) Smith of West Unity, Ohio.

Della’s caregivers, Jennifer Busby and Shannon Zomant, deserve a special thanks for excellent care; they became family over the last years of her life. The family also appreciates the care Arkansas Hospice and Nurse Shannon have provided over the past three years. Thank you to Pam who devoted most of her time and all of her heart to providing love and care for Della in her home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00am., Friday, August 28, 2026 in the chapel of Qualls Batesville Funeral Service with Bro. Chuck Miller officiating.

Burial will follow at Maple Springs Cemetery located in Rosie.

Pallbearers will be Steven Merrell, Joshua Waymack, Kenneth Waymack, Seth Waymack, Cody Wheeler, Donnie Wright Jr. and Shannon Herndon.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 9:00am until service time at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Homes.