Willie Ruth Wheeler

Willie Ruth Rinehart Wheeler, the third of seven children born to the late Willie Mae and Luther Rinehart Sr., was born on October 2, 1927, in McDonald, Pennsylvania. She was 98 years old. Mrs. Wheeler was a long-time resident of Suitland, Maryland. She peacefully succumbed to a lengthy illness with Alzheimer’s disease and passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

After graduating from high school in Pennsylvania, Willie Ruth attended Bluefield State College in Bluefield, West Virginia, alongside her eldest sister, Doris. While at Bluefield State College, she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1947 — a sisterhood she cherished. Willie Ruth worked faithfully and retired from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, serving in the Office of Toxic Substances Analysis. During her time there, she received many merit awards in recognition of her dedication and excellence. She loved to read, and her most treasured book was the Holy Bible. Her favorite book of the Bible was Psalms.

She also loved watching The Ten Commandments, and her favorite color was blue. Willie Ruth confessed her faith in the Lord at an early age and remained devoted throughout her life. After attending for several years, she officially join New Macedonia Baptist Church in Washington, D.C in 1978., She was a faithful member of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., for over 35 years until her illness. In 1958, Willie Ruth married her college sweetheart, George Percy Wheeler, in Washington, D.C. From that loving union were born two sons, George D. Wheeler (deceased) and Adriel N.

Wheeler Sr. Their marriage was a true example of a lifelong partnership — a journey built on love, commitment, respect, communication, and daily effort. Together, they created a solid foundation for personal growth and family stability. They showed us what it means to stand by one another through every season of life.

Willie Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George P. Wheeler; her son, George D. Wheeler; three sisters, Helen Bernice Rinehart Wiseman, Doris M. Rinehart Tolbert, and Shirley Ann Rinehart Guest; and two brothers, Edward R. Rinehart Sr. and Luther Rinehart Sr. Cherishing her sweet memories are her loving son, Adriel N. Wheeler Sr. (Stephanie Gellet), and their children, Adriel N. Wheeler Jr. and Lauren Gellet; Megan Ruth and Justin L., the children of her late son, George D. Wheeler; one brother Lawrence M. Rinehart; and three sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Rinehart (Edward R. Rinehart Sr.,) Edna Creel (Rev. Albert Creel)and Phyllis Simpson; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

One special memory that will forever be treasured was an interview conducted by her grandson, Adriel N. Wheeler Jr., when he was in kindergarten for a Grandparents’ Day school project. He asked his grandmother, “What advice would you give to me as your grandchild?” She replied, “Obey your parents, study hard in school, and be an A student.” He then asked her, “What do you like to do?” Grandma smiled and answered, “Cook.” And if you knew Mrs. Wheeler, you knew she could cook. From my understanding, my grandfather, George Percy, was always the first one at the dinner table and the last one to leave. Now, they are together again — eating good and resting in peace.

Special thanks from my family to Mrs. Avaritta Bailey of Oval Stone Comfort Homes, they took exceptional care of my mother. To Tricia Russell and Kenesha Durant who took care of my mother around the clock with love and kindness and kept her feeling loved. Ms. Janett Fields, RN, without you, none of this could have happened. You are one of my Angels, Thank You. And to Chaplain Sams, thank you for your visits with my mother consisting of prayers and conversation about the heavenly father. Thank you ALL with love from my heart. 

With Love from the Rinehart and Wheeler Family