Betty June Penovich Wheeler, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, died June 1, 2024 in Utah Valley Hospital just weeks from her 86th birthday. She was born a first generation American, the youngest of seven children, on June 29, 1938 in National, Utah to Joseph (Yovo) and Katie Mikulas Penovich. She was proud of her Slovenian heritage. She married the love of her life, Paul Wheeler, on June 8, 1959. They adopted their two children, Betty Jo and Scott, on November 11, 1962, completing their family.
Betty was a lifelong resident of Carbon County, graduating from Carbon High in 1956. Betty was the first person in her family to go to college, graduating first from CEU then Utah State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in education on June 3, 1972. She taught in the Carbon School District for 29 years, impacting the lives of many students and making lifelong friends. She retired in 2001.
She was a member of CCEA, Carbon County Education Association, Lady Elks, Carbon Country Club, The Slovenian Home, Sassy Ladies, Beta Sigma Phi, Foster Care Board, Chairman of the Board at the Bryner Pioneer Museum and served as Price City Councilwoman.
Betty enjoyed playing bridge, going to coffee and lunch with friends, talking on the phone, and spending time with family. She loved big family dinners and get-togethers during birthdays and holidays. Betty loved politics and was a proud Democrat. She enjoyed camping with friends, going on cruises, and was talented at decorating. She was an impeccable dresser and loved to shop. Betty also liked rooting for the Utah Jazz. One of her favorite adventures was going to Venezuela with her husband and children for three years while Paul worked on the Guri Hydro-electric Dam. Betty loved fall colors, but every car she owned was black. She loved sweaters, blazers, and hoop earrings. She dressed with a flair and was often complimented on her attire. She and Paul loved their time at their cabin in Scofield and snowmobiling with the Scofield Bunch.
Betty is survived by her children, Betty Jo (Bob) Willey, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Scott Wheeler, Price, Utah, grandchildren Katie (Kyle) Nelson, Brittani (Bob) Rhoades, Nicole (Branden) Fisher, William Wheeler, Kevin (Brenna) Wheeler, Kyle Wheeler, eleven great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and her beloved dog Boulder.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, parents, Joseph and Katie, brothers and sisters and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert Penovich, Katherine and Lester Winters, Agnes and Frank James, Ruth and Dave Dillon, Joe and Barbara Penovich, JoAnne Penovich, Bill Hinkins, Delores Botteger, and Louise Crowson.
Funeral service, Friday, June 7, 2024, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street) in Price where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Price City Cemetery, Price. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Betty online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net