Ruth Ida Wheeler, 91, of Concord, died Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at Havenwood Health Center, following a period of declining health.

She was born Nov. 14, 1917, in Franklin, a daughter of Lulu Emogene (Thompson) and Edward S. Morrison. She attended Andover Grammar School before her family moved to Concord in 1933. She later graduated from Concord High School in 1938.

Mrs. Wheeler was supervisor at the J.J. Newbury Store for more than 40 years before retiring in 1979.

During her active retirement years, she volunteered as a driver at the Pleasant View Retirement Community. She was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Concord, serving as a deacon as well as in the Women's Guild in many capacities. She served as the pastor's aid for many years and collated the church newsletter.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Willard E. Bennett in 1967, and by her second husband, Harold Wheeler in 1996.

She is survived by a stepson, Scott Wheeler of Thornsville, Ohio, and special longtime friends Frank and Reverend Pam Spain, Jason and Katie Miller and Rodney and Shelley Huntoon.

A memorial service will be held Sunday at1:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church in Concord. The Rev. David Keller will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church, 177 N. Main St., Concord, 03301 or to Havenwood Resident Fund, 33 Christian Ave., Concord 03301.

Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of arrangements.