Darlene Georgeanna Wheeler, 87,of Columbia City, passed away peacefully at her home at 6:23 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2020.

Darlene Georgeanna Wheeler

She was born on October 2, 1932, in Fort Wayne a daughter of the late Billy and Esther (Lewton) Adamson. Her formative years were spent in Fort Wayne. She attended Columbia City High School.

On June 18, 1950, she was united in marriage to Harold H. “Potch” Wheeler. They made their home in Etna-Troy Twp. Whitley County. Harold died on October 25, 2004.

In 2010, Darlene moved to Columbia City. She was a former member of the old West Point Trinity United Methodist Church in Etna-Troy Twp.

After raising the couple’s children, she worked as the Whitley County Assessor for a couple of years, then completed her work career with the Department of Family Services.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading, especially romance novels. She took pleasure in shopping, especially for her grandchildren during the Christmas season. Christmas was a grand affair at her home with an abundance of food and, of course, the gifts that she was as excited to give as the grandchildren were to receive.

She is survived by her children, Johnna L. Shepard, South Whitley, Kim H. (Phyllis) Wheeler, Larwill and Tara L. (Tom) Shears, Columbia City; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Adamson, and a child sister.

A private family service will be held at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Thorn Cemetery at Ormas.

Preferred memorials are to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.