Melanie Jane Wheeler

Melanie Jane Wheeler, 58, of Blairsville, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in her home, surrounded by her family. Born Jan. 28, 1956, in McKeesport, she was a daughter of the late John F. and Harriet Jane Carr Phar. She was a caregiver for the handicapped, working for The Arc of Westmoreland. She was a member of the New Alexandria Lions Club for 10 years. She was a scoutmaster for the Girl Scouts of America in McKeesport. She enjoyed cooking with and for her family, reading books, countless games and bowling when she had the time. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Barry Alan Wheeler, age 14, who died June 8, 1993; a brother, Jackie (John) Carr; and sister, Emmy Friend. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Barry W. Wheeler; two children, Catherine J. Wheeler, at home, and Michael J. Wheeler and wife, Colleen, in Coal Run; a granddaughter, Gabriella J. Wheeler; and several nieces and cousins. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2014, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the P. DAVID NEWHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, corner of Church and Washington streets, New Alexandria. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in the funeral home with Pastor Rhea Summit, of New Alexandria United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Penn Lincoln Memorial Park, North Huntingdon. www.newhousefuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melanie Jane Wheeler, please visit our floral store.