Ruth Wheeler, 88, of Black Mountain went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. Mrs. Wheeler was born January 18, 1928 in Burke County to the late Isaiah and Callie Carswell. She was a beloved member of Valley Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Ruth was a caregiver for several of her great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wheeler and three brothers. Mrs. Wheeler is survived by her daughter, Gail Freirich (Glenn); sons, Jackie Wheeler (Vickey) and Earl Wheeler (Chris); four sisters; 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; and several dear friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, November 20, 2016 at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Harwood Home for Funerals with Archie Cook, Coye Wheeler, and Burl Ledford officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday, one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.