Elizabeth "Liz" Georgeana Wheeler

Elizabeth “Liz” Georgeana Chavez Wheeler, 67, entered into eternal rest unexpectedly, Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in St. Johns. She was born December 3, 1955 in St. Johns, the daughter of Gilbert Elfigo Chavez and Genevieve Milligan.

Liz’s greatest loves in life were her family and her church. She enjoyed crocheting and watching sports; mainly football; as the Pittsburgh Steelers were her favorite team. She also enjoyed watching basketball, playing games on her tablet, playing card games and playing BINGO with her family and friends. She also had a passion to bake delicious desserts and Mexican food for any family occasion. She also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and camping.

Liz was someone you could talk to about anything and there was no distance she wouldn’t travel when needed by her family. She was devoted to her church and sang in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Choir along with the St. Johns High School Choir. She was a member of the Daughters of the Lamb with her church and also volunteered with many church and community events. Liz also drove bus for many years with the Round Valley School District, St. Johns School District, The Renaissance Charter School and Four Winds Academy as well as being a teacher and a teacher’s aide.

Liz retired from the St. Johns schools in 2012 and thrived for the annual horseshoe tournament, playing a big part in organizing the raffles.

Liz is survived by her husband, Michael A. Wheeler, St. Johns; son, Alex Laborin, Tempe; step-son, Marc Wheeler, Florence; step-daughter, Mandi Wheeler, Kentucky; step-grandson, Tristan Wheeler, sisters, Elvera Cruz, Concho; Yolanda (David) Martinez, Phoenix; JoAnn (Danny) Padilla, Phoenix; brother, Sammy (Alicia) Chavez, Springerville; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews; especially her great-great nephew, Elliott whom she loved tremendously.

Liz, your sense of humor, your zest for life and the love you gave to all of us unconditionally will be truly missed!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elfigo and Neva Chavez, maternal grandparents, Grover and Lasarita Milligan, paternal grandparents, Mariano and Mina Chavez and brother-in-law, Hector Cruz.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, followed by Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.

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