COLUMBUS
Carolyn Sue (Bennett) Wheeler, 85, of Columbus, IN, passed away at 1:49 pm Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Columbus Regional Hospital. She was born November 6, 1938, in Howard County, IN to Dwight and Lillian (Heaton) Bennett.Carolyn attended Western School Corporation and graduated from high school in 1956. After receiving a Bachelor’s in Education from Taylor University in 1960, she married Charles J. Wheeler on July 10, 1960, and he survives. In 1966, Carolyn earned a Master’s in Education from Ball State University. Her teaching career began at Clay Township School in Miami County from 1960-1962. She then became a teacher at Western School Corporation in Russiaville, IN. She retired from Western in 1994, having taught there for 31 years in the areas of language, arts, and history. She was a life-long member of the Happy Homemakers Extension Club in Howard County.Carolyn and her husband Charles relocated in 2004 to Elizabethtown, IN (Bartholomew County) to enjoy their grandchildren and their activities, including baseball and softball. Until that time, they spent their entire lives in the Howard County area. In 2012, they moved to Columbus, IN.She was a faithful member of Courtland Avenue Friends Church before moving to Bartholomew County, when she became a member of Community Church of Columbus.Carolyn’s past time has been to research her family history and volunteer in the genealogy department of the Kokomo – Howard County Library. After moving to the Columbus area, she continued her research for her German and English ancestors and shared her information with relatives. She also enjoyed traveling around the country with her husband, Charles, to listen to their favorite gospel music groups. But her greatest joy was spending time with her family.In addition to her husband Charles, she is survived by her children, Stephen Wheeler of Carmel, Cheryl (Todd) Hostetler of Columbus, IN; grandchildren, Tyler (Raeanna) Hostetler, Luke (Kari) Hostetler; brother, Richard Bennett, and sister, Judith Sellers.She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, William Bennett, Ted Bennett, Paul Bennett and John Bennett, and sister Maxine Jones.Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 pm Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will be held at 11 am Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the funeral home, with Pastor Bill Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.stoutandson.com.
