1937-2023

Graveside services for Ellen Hendry Wheeler, 86, of Canton, were scheduled for noon Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Oakland Cemetery in Canton, under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home, Grand Saline.

Ellen passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Tyler. She was born Jan. 28, 1937, in Athens, to the late Earl Emmett and Ethel Dee (Noble) Hendry. Ellen lived in Athens before moving to Canton in 1984. She enjoyed the study of genealogy and served for many years as a board member of the Van Zandt County Genealogical Society. Ellen retired as the owner of a local paint store in Canton and D&E Paint Company. She was also a cutting horse enthusiast and enjoyed producing and attending many cutting horse events. Ellen created the Texas Cutting Horse Futurity which held annual shows throughout eastern and central Texas and was a founding member of the Rose Country Cutting Horse Association. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don Wheeler, and her five siblings.

Ellen is survived by her loving and devoted companion, James Nixon; children, Alton; Gil; Earl, and Ann Hargrave, and the children in her heart; Cheryl; Kathy; Donna, and Jerry Michael Stevens. Ellen also enjoyed numerous dearly loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family received friends from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, prior to the service at the gravesite.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas. www.hospiceofeasttexas.org.