Virginia Kay Wheeler

Virginia Kay Wheeler, 74, of Columbus, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Whether you knew her as Virginia or Kay, you knew someone with a heart of gold who truly never met a stranger. Born in Brown County on May 30, 1952, to the late Milta and Mabel (Lucas) Mathis, Kay grew up in a lively household as one of ten children. After attending Brown County High School, she selflessly put her own plans on hold to become a dedicated, full-time caregiver for her parents until she was 38 years old—a testament to the quiet loyalty and love that defined her entire life.

Once her years as a caregiver came to a close, Kay built a steady career through sheer grit and hard work. She started at the local Ponderosa until it closed, and later spent years at Flambeau, Instant Products, and Pyramid Paper before retiring. Kay took pride in working hard and living within her means, yet she was endlessly generous. If she had something to give, it was yours.

In her retirement, Kay knew how to savor life’s simple joys. Her day wasn’t complete without her beloved daily Polar Pop of Diet Coke—a routine she never missed. She had a keen eye for a great bargain and loved spending weekends browsing yard sales, and she was always up for a spirited game of Euchre or Kismet. In the warmer months, she tended to her garden, eagerly anticipating fresh, homegrown tomatoes, zucchini, and pickles. When she needed a getaway, her toes belonged in the sand, with the beaches of Florida holding a special place in her heart.

Of all the things Kay loved, nothing compared to the pride she felt for her granddaughters. Addy and Laney were the absolute light of her life. She was their biggest fan and talked endlessly about how proud she was of the young women they were becoming and the bright futures ahead of them.

Kay leaves behind a family who will miss her warmth and laughter deeply: her son, Scott (Danelle) Mathis; her adored granddaughters, Addyson “Addy” Mathis and Langston “Laney” Mathis; her sister, Katherine “Sue” Hoover; her former husband and longtime companion, Herbert Wheeler; and Danelle’s family, who graciously opened their doors and hearts to include Kay in countless holiday gatherings.

She was welcomed into rest by her parents; seven brothers, Milton, Charles, Robert “Bob,” Dale, James, Jerry, and Max Mathis; and her sister, Phyllis Stillabower.

Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories during visitation on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory. A funeral service celebrating Kay’s life will follow at 2:00 p.m., with burial at Garland Brook Cemetery.