Rachel Lousie Herbst Wheeler was born on October 20, 1935, in Waynoka, Oklahoma, to parents, Carl J. and Vivian May (Nauerth) Herbst.  Rachel, along with her brothers and sisters, grew up in the Lahoma and Carrier areas of Garfield County Oklahoma and Waynoka, Oklahoma.

On September 4, 1954, Rachel married the love of her life, Milford Dean Wheeler, in Alva, Oklahoma.  The couple made their first home in Alva and later moved to Woodward, Oklahoma.  Milford and Rachel were blessed with two children, Debra Sue and Brian Dean.

Rachel was an exceptional homemaker and seamstress.  She was always willing to do anything for her family. She worked with Milford on several projects and jobs throughout their lives.  Milford and their children were of upmost importance to Rachel throughout her life.

Rachel had a strong faith and belief in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  That faith helped her through her cancer diagnoses and treatments in 2008.  She continued to work during her radiation treatments and amazed the doctors by surviving stage 4 breast cancer.  She told everyone that the doctors referred to her as a "tough old bird", but the Lord told her she would be cured and she was.

Milford and Rachel loved to go camping and the mountains were one of their favorite destinations.  They also loved camping at Lake Eufala and numerous other locations.

Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milford.  They passed away on the same day, October 30th one year apart, with only a few hours difference on their time of death.  She is also preceded in death by her parents Carl and Vivian Herbst; brothers Richard and Melvin, and sister Effa Lou Herbst Clark.

Those who will cherish her memory are children Debra Foster and husband Dean of Woodward, and Brian Wheeler also of Woodward; sister Cleota McCraw of Weatherford; sister-in-law Barbara Wheeler Hunt of Alva; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Although Rachel is no longer with us, her loving, adventurous, and courageous spirit will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Alva Friends Church with burial following at the Waynoka Municipal Cemetery.