Edith Melvina Wheatley

Edith M. Wheatley (nee Scott) was born into a farming and ranching family on December 11, 1925, in Fort Benton, Montana.  She was always proud of her Scottish ancestry and Montana roots.  Then, after a full and eventful life, she passed away on March 22, 2022, at the age of 96. 

Over the years, Edith had a wide variety of jobs from developing photos in a professional studio to assembling the cockpits of Boeing’s B-17 “Flying Fortress” bombers during World War II.  She also enjoyed a 35-year career with the U.S. Postal Service and retired as the Logistics Manager for Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.  However, “retired” was not something that came easily.  In 1989, she and her husband Bill Wheatley began a new business – Evergreen Powder Coatings – which they owned and operated until 2017.

Edith dearly loved her family and was especially happy when she had gathered everyone together.  One of her great joys was providing a “home base” for all kinds of celebrations – from holidays to barbecues she was a devoted hostess.  She was also an avid gardener and fought an annual battle with the deer who loved her flowers and vegetables almost as much as she did!

Edith and Bill had four children: Sharon, Martha Lou, Ken and Greg.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 2017, daughter Sharon Bonwell in February, 2021, and son Ken Baldwin in November 2021.  She is dearly missed by her son Greg Baldwin, daughter Martha Lou Wheatley-Billeter and son-in-law Steve Billeter, grandchildren Sharid Pattarnon, Trent Bonwell, Travis Bonwell, Ashley Baldwin, Britaney Baldwin, Courtney Baldwin, eight great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren (the sixth one will soon be joining the family!).

A Memorial Service and reception is scheduled for Saturday, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Hennessey Funeral Home on Pines Road in Spokane Valley.