Kentucky Birth Index, 1911-1999

Name Della E Wheeler

Date of Birth 13 Nov 1929

Birth Place Johnson, Kentucky, USA

Mother's Name Mary Wagner

Volume Number 115

Certificate Number 57024

Volume Year 1929

Della Elizabeth Wheeler Osborn, 93, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023 after a full and joyous life. Della was the daughter of the late Sherman and Ella Wheeler and was one of twelve children. Born in Staffordsville, KY, she spent her early years in Paintsville before moving to Ashland. Della was an avid student, starting college early after skipping two grades. Della attended Ashland Community College, Centre College, Transylvania University, graduating from University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. It was at Ashland Community College where she met her husband, the late Ted R. Osborn, father of their four children. While supporting Ted as he served on the Kiwanis International Board, she travelled extensively all over the world helping others. Della's family was her passion. She enjoyed hosting large family gatherings with extended family. Most gatherings included her delicious chicken and dumplings and her homemade peanut butter fudge. After a divorce in 1988 Della took time to travel and pursue some her interests, including going to the Holy Land, cruising to exotic locations, and spending time as a resident in Arizona, until settling down in Tennessee to be close to family. She cherished her time with her grandchildren, creating wonderful and lasting memories of family outings and celebrations, and was an avid cheerleader at her grandsons' swim meets, baseball, soccer, and basketball games. Della moved back to Lexington with family in 2015. Della was a pursuer of knowledge, avid reader, and a researcher of scripture, politics, and history. Della was musically gifted with the ability to play the piano and accordion by ear and had a beautiful singing voice. She was known for her beauty, sense of humor, laughter, and quick wit. Her many interests include a love of painting and horses. Della was a charter member in the organization of the Lexington United Baptist Church in 1953, which later became Fayette Chapel United Baptist Church in Paris. She loved sharing her faith and her love of God to others through scripture, guidance, and related experiences.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Lee Adams Osborn; and five siblings. She is survived by her children: Zan Osborn Gregory (John), Ted Osborn, Jr. (Chris), Holly Osborn, and Lee's widow Kendra Garey (Jason); grandchildren: Joshua Gregory (Natalie) and children Della, John Morrison; Jonathan Gregory (Stacie) and children Lily, Davis, June; Jansen Gregory (Meredith) and daughter Brooklyn; Ted Osborn, III (Kristina), Justin O'Bryan, Lauren O'Bryan; Shelby Lane (Jesse) and children Fletcher, Wheeler, Jasper; Gabriel McKinney; Tyler Lee Osborn, Chase Riggs; siblings: Bebe Wheeler Greene, Hermalee Wheeler Stevens, Charlie Wheeler, George Wheeler, Mary Lou Wheeler Allen, and Regina Wheeler Adams. Della loved and was also loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home- Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington. Visitation at 9:00-10:00am Saturday, January 14th at the funeral home. Burial immediately following at the Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers make donation in Della's name to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or Fayette Chapel United Baptist Church, 150 Sky View Drive, Paris, Ky.