Roberta Wheeler, 90, of Winfield, passed away March 1st, 2016, at Winfield Senior Living.

Roberta was proceeded in death by her parents Franklin Ray and Carrie Kanitz; husbands Ned Pettit, Clint Leonard, and Wayne Wheeler; siblings Margaret Crumm, Howard Kanitz and Melba Hill; and son Randy Pettit.
Survivors include siblings Rayda Higdon and Ernest Kanitz; her sons Roger Pettit and his wife Karen, WI, and Raymond "Buddy" Pettit and wife Kay, KS; step-children Jerry Leonard and wife Betty, NM, Larry Leonard and wife Marsha, OK, Randy Wheeler and wife Carol, NV, Terri Ayers and husband Mark, NV, and Karen Wheeler, NV; grandchildren Tristan Pettit, Carrie Emory, Brooke Leonard, Michael and Laura Leonard, Gregory and Jeffrey Larmer, Devin and Dillon Wheeler, Shane and Lauren Ayers; many great-grandchildren;; and faithful dog Chipper.

Roberta was born October 15, 1925 in Winfield, the daughter of Franklin Ray and Carrie (Hodge) Kanitz. Roberta was a strong and faithful servant of her Lord and Savior. Her faith was evident for all to see in her devotion to the Word, in how she treated others, and in her strong prayer life. As one can see from her large collection of photos and letters she received and kept over the years, family was very important to Roberta and she cherished them dearly. Her siblings Margaret, Rayda, Howard, Melba, and Ernest had a loving and close relationship throughout the years. She was especially close with her brother Ernie, visiting with him every day.

Roberta graduated from Winfield High in 1943 and shortly thereafter went to work at Boeing to support the war efforts during WWII. After Boeing she worked as a bookkeeper for a local meat market and met the first love of her life Ned Pettit. Roberta and Ned raised three boys; Roger, Raymond "Buddy", and Randy while Ned served in the Army Air Corps. As a devoted wife of an Army pilot, Roberta relocated her family many times and dedicated herself to nurtuting their boys. After their last duty station in Hawaii, Roberta and her husband moved back home to Winfield where she worked at home as a bookkeeper for Kerr's Department Store and provided the business acumen for the family's Wichita Eagle franchise, all while keeping up with her active sons. She was very involved in her sons' lives as well as in the community. She never missed her sons' sporting events and despite her small frame she was absolutely the loudest spectator at all of the games. Roberta and Ned had 19 happy years of marriage before he passed away.

After her husband Ned's death, Roberta found love again and married Clint Leonard. Roberta and Clint lived happily together in their Winfield home for 29 years and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. She kept a bountiful garden and grew many beautiful varieties of roses. She loved spending time in her kitchen and her breads and pies always fetched a high price at the church bake sales. Roberta was known to cook the best fried catfish that Clint caught and her delicious pan fried chicken was eagerly anticipated every Sunday after church. After her children grew older, Roberta went to work in the County Clerk's office as a bookkeeper until she retired. After her retirement, Roberta dedicated her bookkeeping talent to First Christian Church of Winfield where she worshipped for many years. She also shared her love of music by singing in the church choir.

After her husband Clint's death, Roberta rekindled an old high school love and married Wayne Wheeler. Roberta and Wayne shared a love of family and their dog Chipper for 9 years before Wayne passed away. Throughout Roberta's long and full life, she loved deeply, served greatly, gave charitably, prayed without ceasing, and worshipped faithfully. Rest now, Roberta.

The family wished to express their gratitude to the staff of the Winfield Senior Living Center and Gentiva Hospice for the care and comfort they provided to Roberta during their short stay.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m. March 11 at Miles Funeral Service. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery immediately following the service. A celebration of Roberta's life will follow with lunch at First Christian Church of Winfield after the services.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. March 10 at the funeral home. The family will greet visitors from 4-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Roberta's name for the First Christian Church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.