Phyllis Powers Wheeler

West Lebanon, NH – Phyllis Powers Wheeler, 83, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center following a short illness.

Phyllis was born on June 29, 1942, in Hanover, NH, to Dorrance and Arliene (Durant) Powers. She grew up in Norwich, VT and naturally took to the older-sister role for her six siblings with wisdom and love; she was a protector, diplomat, confidant, and at times, partner in crime. They were a close family and as they grew up and began having their own families, the siblings stayed connected and looked upon “Phyl” as the family matriarch. Her excellent memory made her the best keeper of family history.

She met Curtis Wheeler through her best friend (Curtis’ cousin), and by all accounts, he was smitten with her immediately and has been devoted to her since. After about a year of courtship, they married on her birthday in 1962. They soon welcomed three children to their family: Sherri, Lisa, and Jason. She gave openly time and attention to her children, loved them fiercely, and had great expectations of them. Lines of communication were always open and there was never a topic that was off limits or too difficult to discuss.

She enjoyed spending time at home reading and knitting for her family. Phyllis tended to be a home-body, but relished getting visits and phone calls from family and friends.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Curtis of Hanover, NH; two daughters, Sherri Perkins (Michael) of White River Junction, VT and Lisa Becker (John) of Randolph Center, VT; four siblings, Dale Powers of Manchester, NH, Janis Foley of Ellington, CT, Karl Powers (Liz) of Manchester, NH, and Timothy Powers (Diana) of Virginia. It is important to note that Phyllis loved her in-laws as well and considered them her siblings; six grandchildren, Arliene Belock (Josh), Rand Gray, Abraham Wheeler, Lillian Wheeler, Maria Wheeler and Robert Perkins (Christine); six great grandchildren, Zackary and Maranda Gray, and Robyn, Alexandra, Charlie, and Boston Perkins; along with many nieces and nephews who loving called her “Aunt Phyl”, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Jason Wheeler, two brothers, Gary and Neil Powers, and a grandson, Michael Perkins, Jr.

A service celebrating her life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT. Please consider donating to your local senior center in her memory. Many of our elderly neighbors are vulnerable and overlooked, and do not have a support system to help them with their needs.

Memories or expressions of condolence are welcomed in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.