Mary Ann Wheatley

Mary Ann Wheatley, 84, passed away November 5, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Leopold, Indiana, Mary Ann was a devoted mother to her only son, Ken Wheatley, and a beloved sister to Gail Rissler. Her life was marked by a remarkable commitment to Perry County, a gift for bringing people together, and an enduring love of animals.

Mary Ann made a lasting difference in her community. She served eight years on the Tell City Common Council, including as president, and helped advance economic development in Perry County. Named Woman of the Year in 1993, she supported Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and numerous civic organizations. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and previous member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where she was active in her church and its ministries.

Her dedication to others shaped her professional life as well. After graduating magna cum laude from Brescia University, she became a licensed social worker and held leadership positions at Perry County Memorial Hospital. She helped create programs for patients, children, and families. Her work earned her recognition as Indiana Social Worker of the Year.

Outside her public service, Mary Ann found great joy in horses. An accomplished equestrian, she earned the 2005 World Grand Champion Equitation title through the Tennessee Walking Horse Academy and proudly showed horses, including Mr. Reach and Encore’s Proud Willie. She and Ken also raised miniature donkeys. Her devotion to animals extended to many years on the Humane Society of Perry County board.

Mary Ann was active in her church and its ministries.

She is survived by her son, Ken Wheatley; sisters, Gail Rissler and Melanie Zimmerman; brother, Warren Taylor (Cindi); and granddaughters Jennifer, Christie, Morgan, and Megan.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Wilhelmina “Billie” Rissler; father, Ellsworth Taylor; brother, Bill Rissler; and grandparents, Alma and William Ward.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM CST on Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church. Rev. Tony Hollowell will officiate with burial to follow in St. Augustine Church Cemetery in Leopold.

Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00-5:00 PM and Monday from 8:30-9:30 AM at Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Augustine Cemetery or the Perry County Humane Society.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.huberfuneralhome.net