Barbara Gale Wheeler McKay, 49, of Valley Lee lost her fifteen-year battle with cancer on Thursday, October 21, 2004.

Born January 18, 1955 in St. Mary’s Hospital, she was the daughter and is survived by James Leonard and Agnes Cecelia Wheeler of Chaptico. Barbara graduated from Chopticon High in 1972. She was the beloved wife and is survived by Roland Rea McKay, whom she married October 14th of the same year.

From an early age, Barbara took care of her six younger siblings and developed a passion for children. She is survived by her brothers, James L. and Joseph L. Wheeler and sisters, Deborah K. Hall, Betty A. Riffle, M. Theresa McKinney and Mary C. Ramos.

Soon after their marriage, Barbara and Roland began helping foster children, providing a loving home for more than twenty children of all ages over a period of years. Along the way, they raised three children of their own. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Beverly Rea and Candace Marie and her son, Jason Roland. She was very proud of her three grandsons, Tyler Rea, Trevor Martin and Joshua Roland.

Barbara will be greatly missed but she will always be in our lives and in our hearts.