Eva Janis Wheeler was born on September 26, 1929 in Helena, Montana to Lyda Wheeler Toohey. She died at the age of 95 on June 14, 2025 while living at the Morning Star Senior Living Facility in Billings, Montana. She grew up on the Green Leaf and attended Hilltop School. She worked various jobs including a waitress, telephone operator and grocery store clerk. Eva loved to dress up, dance, sing, and attend to her flower gardens.
She married Glenn E. McKelvey on April 24, 1947 in Forsyth, Montana. They had three children, Glenda McKelvey, Carla Johnson and Monty McKelvey.
They purchased and settled on the Robert Shaudel homestead in the year of 1972. Glenn passed away in the year 2012 and Eva continued to reside at the ranch with the help of her daughters until dementia progressed enough to where she needed memory care professionals. She was moved to the Morning Star Senior Living facility in Billings, Montana in the year of 2024 in the memory care “Reflections” section.
She is survived by her 3 children, Glenda, Carla (Jay) and Monty (Ali); grandchildren, Sharla Hintermeister (Ryan), Laiben Woods (Trudi), Wade Woods (Tammie); great grandchildren, Justin Sumner, Travis and Trevor Hintermeister, Ethan Allard (Chevelle), Dalton Woods, Kayla Thurston (Jake); great-great grandchildren, Solara (Kayla Thurston), and Silas (Justin Sumner); and many nieces and nephews too numerous to name.
Eva is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn McKelvey; mother, Lyda Toohey; brothers, Joe Toohey, Leonard Toohey; and sister, Patricia Smith.
Eva was of Iroquois descent of the Seneca Nation of New York and granddaughter of the well-known painter, Carl Wheeler.
We want to thank the Morning Star memory care staff and Stillwater Hospice staff of Billings for their tender loving care that they gave to Eva during her stay and will forever be appreciated.
No service will be held, but the family asks for all to share their favorite memories of Eva.
A family memorial will be held at a later date at the McKelvey Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Denice Hedges says
So sorry to hear of Eva’s passing. She was a big part of the Ashland community as I grew up with her kids.
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
Eva was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile! I had the honor of meeting Eva at Morning Star while visiting my Mother. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Gracie Ann Hill says
Blessings to Eva’s family.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Michael Speelman says
RIP Eva, always enjoyed visiting with you and Glen over the years. Payers to the Family.
Cindy Stanton (Williams) says
Glenda, Carla and families, I’m so sorry for the loss of Eva. You’re in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace. It doesn’t matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose our mom.
Kitty Pugh says
I remember You All in Ashland and later in Forsyth. Whenever I think of Eva, I think Beautiful. We would pull over in the car and the folks would chat. I don’t know the age of her in your picture but that is exactly how I remember her, Beautiful with that soft smile, out in the yard. Your Dad seemed to always have a smile, grin, I’d say, too. Your whole family was Beauty personified. Loss is so hard, take care of yourselves.
Thanx for these warm memories. I really think we Ashland People are special, it must be the water.
Fredonia says
What a joy to have served Ms Eva, I loved pouring her a cup of coffee and listening to her stories. She always made me smile 😁 I love you Eva! I will miss you!!