Leslie L. Wheeler's Obituary
WHEELER, Leslie L., age 62, of Bellbrook, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2026.
Leslie worked as a chemist at DuPont, where she was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including overseeing lab operations during overnight shifts. She took great pride in her work and especially in earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wright State University while raising her family as a single mother, a testament to her determination and strength. Leslie graduated from Bellbrook High School in 1982.
Leslie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who found her greatest joy in her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart. Because of the age difference between her older grandchildren and her youngest grandson, Joey, she shared a particularly special and renewed bond with him. Joey loved spending time with his grandma, building with Legos, working puzzles together, and simply enjoying time by her side. Leslie had a natural curiosity about the world and enjoyed watching true crime shows, particularly those that explored the science behind investigations. She was creative and loved crafts, making jewelry, boxes, and painting flowers, often creating pieces for family members. She took pride in her flower gardening, especially her roses, and found peace in caring for them.
Leslie had a deep love for many of life’s simple joys and favorite things. She adored her cats, especially her beloved kitty, Phoebe, affectionately known as “Boo.” She loved sunflowers, roses, hummingbirds, and always enjoyed having a Mountain Dew nearby. Leslie also enjoyed attending Cincinnati Reds baseball games with her family over the years. Her appreciation for aviation was influenced by her father, who built an airplane in the family garage, something that always remained meaningful to her. She also loved collecting Disney figurines, Barbies, stained glass pieces, teapots, and tea sets, each collection reflecting her playful spirit and appreciation for beauty and nostalgia.
She also loved music, especially Aerosmith, and enjoyed attending concerts whenever she could. Known for her outgoing personality, Leslie was easy to talk to, always willing to listen, and often shared her sense of humor through off-color jokes, especially when trying to embarrass her son in front of his friends. She cherished spending time with her family, including outings and traditions like family trips to the Air Force Museum. One of the family’s most cherished traditions was gathering at Marion’s Pizza, a tradition that began with Leslie’s great-grandparents and continued throughout her life for birthdays, reunions, meals after funerals, and countless other family occasions.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Kester, and her son, Donnie; and is survived by her spouse of 30 years, Joseph Wheeler; her children, Emily Wheeler, Josh (Ashley) Wheeler, and Rebecca Wheeler; her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jamez, and Joey; her mothe, Beverly Kester; her sisters, Christine Gibson and Barbara (Tom) Bouy; as well as extended family and friends who will miss her deeply.
The family will receive friends from 10 AM to 1 PM on Tuesday, May 19, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. A Life Celebration service will immediately follow the visitation at 1 PM on Tuesday at the funeral home, followed by a procession and committal to Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in New Carlisle. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wheeler Family Fire Fund through any KeyBank branch. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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