Margaret Ruth (Noel) (Wheeler) Freeman

Margaret Ruth (Noel) (Wheeler) Freeman, age 76, died and entered the nearer presence of her Creator, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 7:45 a.m. at Gentle Care in Vincennes, Indiana.  Margaret will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Margaret was born on December 23, 1948, in Indianapolis to her biological parents, Wayne Oscar Noel and Edna Louise Nelson. Her first years were challenging in her birth family’s home. At the age of 9, Margaret was adopted by the Rev. James and Elizabeth Wheeler.  

In 1960, the Wheeler’s moved to North Jackson, Ohio, where her father, James Wheeler, accepted the call to be the pastor at the First Federated Church. Margaret attended school there, graduating from Jackson-Milton High School in 1967. After graduation, she attended a broadcast/communication program through Ohio State University.   

In 1969, Rev. Wheeler and his family moved back to the Vincennes, Indiana area, where he had accepted the call to serve as pastor at the Indiana Presbyterian Church. Margaret decided to move with the family back to her childhood community.   

In 1970, she married Richard Foster. Together, they had three daughters, Amy Sue (Foster) Keller (Jody), Tina Marie (Foster) Williams, and Angela Lynn (Foster)

Helderman. Margaret and Richard divorced in 1976. She eventually married Thomas Cox. They divorced, and she then married Rodney Freeman. Margaret had 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Margaret was a talented musician, playing the piano and singing in church. A Beatles fan, she introduced her younger siblings to their music, even taking them to see the Beatles movie “Help” in the theatre.  She loved listening to music, playing cards, reading, crafts, and watching movies. Margaret also loved to bowl, and for several years was a part of a bowling league.

In 2022, Margaret was reunited with her birth sister, Dorothy Louise Pinson. The two sisters enjoyed getting to know each other and remained in contact until Dorothy’s death.

Margaret is survived by her daughters, Amy Sue, Tina Marie and Angela Lynn; her siblings, Stewart Wheeler (Vincennes), the Revs. Scott (Staci) Marrese-Wheeler od McFarland/Madison, Wisconsin, Beth Groves (Howard), Indianapolis, Indiana, and Greer (Penny) Wheeler, Olive Branch, Mississippi. Margaret is also survived by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as her nieces and nephews and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her biological parents, Wayne Oscar Noel and Edna Louise Nelson; parents, James and Elizabeth Wheeler, biological sister, Dorothy; and three great-grandchildren who were her “angel” babies.

Over her lifetime, Margaret had many friends she cherished.  She is going to be deeply missed as a daughter, sister, mom, grandmother, mother-in-law, wife and friend.   

Margaret’s wishes were to be cremated with no public service.  The family will gather at a later date to remember and celebrate her life.   

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Gentle Care and Asccare Hospice for their care of Margaret. Memorials in Margaret’s memory made be made to a charity of your choice.

“When you remember me, it means you have carried something of who I am with you, that I have left some mark of who I am on who you are. It means that even after I die, you can still see my face and hear my voice and speak to me in your heart. For as long as you remember me, I am never entirely lost.”  Frederick Buechner  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420