Independence - Margery Ellen McCright Wheatley, 85 years old, of Independence, Iowa, formerly of Rowley, Iowa, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at her home following a sudden illness. She was born on May 22, 1923, in Carbondale, Illinois, the daughter of Robert William and Blanche (Gilson) Turner. She graduated from high school in Independence, Iowa, with the Class of 1940 and earned her teaching degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa. On August 11, 1940, she and Raymond Burton McCright were married in Independence, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1980. On June 16, 1985, she and Benjamin Walter Wheatley were married at the Rowley Presbyterian Church in Rowley, Iowa. Mrs. Wheatley taught in the public school systems of Buchanan County and Independence, Iowa. She retired in 1988. She was a member of the Rowley Presbyterian Church in Rowley, Iowa, and the American Legion Auxiliary in Independence, Iowa. She and her husband, Ben, squared danced regularly and were active in the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club. And Mrs. Wheatley enjoyed playing cards at the Independence Senior Center.

Mrs. Wheatley is survived by her husband of 23 years, Ben, 2 daughters, Carolyn (Robert) Knipp of Waterloo, Iowa, and Wendy (Fritz) Kaufmann of Guldental, Germany, 1 son, Robert (Barbara) McCright of Rowley, Iowa, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 2 sisters, Lucille (Don) Cottrell of Independence, Iowa, and Adelia Leone (Austin) Blomgren of Eldora, Iowa.

In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and 1 son in infancy.

Funeral Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Rowley Presbyterian Church in Rowley, Iowa, with Pastor Theresa Ingle and Dr. David A. Larson officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Ross Copenhaver, pianist. Casket Bearers were John Berns, Tadd Martin, Bob Borcherding, Terry Sturtz, Gene Waring, and Mercian Slaughter. Burial was in Rowley Cemetery in Rowley, Iowa.