In Loving Memory of Shelli Rae Wheeler

Although most family and friends may not have known, Shelli faced an incredibly difficult last couple of years.

In November 2023, Shelli lost her job of ten years, beginning a long and painful struggle with unemployment. Soon after, she faced the devastating outcome of a prolonged court case, resulting in a $1.5 million judgment against her. With no other options, she filed for bankruptcy to protect herself and her family. Despite these financial hardships, Shelli never stopped trying — applying for jobs, lowering her expectations with each rejection, but always refusing to give up.

In late May of 2024, she accepted a low-paying part-time job at a local convenience store. The work was physically demanding, and at her age, it became extremely difficult. After asking not to be assigned the most strenuous tasks, she was quietly removed from the schedule. Still determined, Shelli found another part-time job helping to file taxes, which she enjoyed far more.

However, shortly after starting, she began experiencing severe back pain and a troubling loss of feeling in her legs.

At the beginning of 2025, Shelli suffered another heartbreak — the loss of her beloved aunt, Joyce Evans Anderson. Despite her worsening physical condition, she traveled out of state to attend her funeral, a testament to her fierce loyalty and love for her family.

On February 11, 2025, Shelli’s condition worsened dramatically. She lost the ability to walk due to numbness in her legs. Her daughter rushed her to the emergency room, where imaging revealed tumors on her lungs and spine, explaining her paralysis and nerve pain. She underwent back surgery to relieve the pressure on her spine and to biopsy one of the tumors.

The results confirmed our worst fears: Shelli had small cell lung cancer that had already metastasized to her spine.

After 10 days in the hospital, Shelli was moved to a rehabilitation center where she fought incredibly hard to regain her mobility. Through her perseverance and determination, she made remarkable progress, eventually walking short distances with a walker. On March 1, 2025, she was released home, where her children cared for her as she worked each day to reclaim her independence.

Just as she was making progress, on March 11, 2025, Shelli began struggling with breathing and swallowing, along with her ongoing leg and back pain. She was rushed back to the emergency room and admitted to the hospital. After admission, she lost the ability to breath requiring emergency intubation and sedation in the ICU.

Shortly after, it was discovered that the cancer had spread further, blocking a branch of her left lung and causing it to collapse. Chemotherapy was attempted in hopes of shrinking the tumors and relieving the pressure, but despite her incredible fight, the tumors continued to grow.

After two difficult weeks, the doctors told us that Shelli’s body could fight no more. She was transitioned to a long-term care facility to be kept comfortable and surrounded by love in her final days.

Shelli Rae (Thompson) Wheeler gained her angel wings on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 4:53 p.m. She was 61 years old. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children and dear friends.

This fundraiser has been created to help cover the cost of Shelli’s funeral. Her family and friends all agree: she deserves the most beautiful celebration of life we can give her. Shelli had an incredible gift for touching the lives of others with her kindness, her spirit, and her unwavering love.

We hope, with everyone’s help, we can honor Shelli’s life in the way she truly deserves.