Waneta Marie Wheeler

Waneta Marie Wheeler, 94, of Zanesville, passed away, on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Genesis Hospice Morrison House.

She was born on June 27, 1932, in Cassity, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Wayne and Velma (Rader) Rutherford. 

Waneta was a woman of remarkable independence, known for her resolute spirit and her unwavering sense of self. She lived her life privately yet authentically.  A believer in the Christian faith, Waneta found strength and solace in her spirituality throughout her life. Waneta adored the company of animals, especially her beloved dogs and cats, who brought her great joy and companionship over the years. Her love for animals was a defining element of her life, shaping her home and daily routines into a sanctuary of care and affection. In her younger years, Waneta dedicated herself to her work at several local establishments, the Nelson-McCoy Pottery, Lear Corp and Essex Wire. 

Surviving Waneta in life are her daughter, Dorothy Talbott; her friend and caretaker who she thought of as a son, Jeff Fisher, her siblings, Emma Myers, Hallie Rutherford, Brenda Rutherford, Warren Rutherford and Patty Arborgast; her grandchildren, Brian (Rhonda) Talbott, Lori Wetzel, Randall (Teresa) Weese, Jr., Chris Weese, Kisseva (Chris) Price, Tia Weese, Nathan Weese, Amber (Josh) Lewis, Adrienne (Eva) Fisher and Will (Chelsea) Fisher; her many great and great-great grandchildren and her darling kitty Cali and dog, Angel. 

In addition to her parents, Waneta is preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Wheeler, her companion of many years, James Fisher; her son, Randall Aaron Weese and her siblings, Lila Hinkle, Troy Rutherford, Loretta Rutherford, Garnetta Louk, Thelma Waybright, Margaret Lindsey and Glen Rutherford. 

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Goebel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 36 North Buckeye St, Crooksville, OH 43731. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Marc Caton officiating. Waneta will then be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery.