Nellie F. Wheeler

Nellie F. Wheeler, age 94, passed away on March 21, 2025. Nellie was born on November 21, 1930 to the late Andrew Jackson Weatherly and Willie Lee Talley Weatherly in Chesnut Mound, Tennessee. 

Nellie was a graduate of Litton High School.

Throughout her life, she devoted herself to her family, cherishing moments spent together, particularly during holiday gatherings.

An avid cook, Nellie found joy in preparing meals that brought her loved ones together around the dinner table. Her culinary skills were complemented by her artistic flair for yardwork; she took great pride in cultivating beautiful gardens marked by a colorful array of flowers, which served not only as a passion but also as a source of inspiration and serenity.

Her fondness for nature was particularly evident in her enjoyment of watching and feeding hummingbirds, bringing a sense of tranquility and delight to her daily routine. This deep appreciation for the beauty in small things reflected her gentle spirit and loving demeanor.

In addition to her parents, Nellie is preceded in death by her husband, Russell Edward Wheeler, after 36 years of marriage; her daughter, Melanie Ridge; her granddaughter, Misty Smith; and her siblings, five brothers, and two sisters.

Nellie is survived by her daughters, Sandra Ventress (Randy), Karen Graves (Cliff), and Jenny Randolph (Jr.); her son-in-law, Steve Ridge; her 9 grandchildren; and her 13 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Nellie will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10 am until 2 pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home (353 E. Main St., Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075). The funeral service will start at 2 pm at the same location with burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Hospital in Nellie Wheeler's honor.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the White House Healthcare for their care for Nellie.