"My Mother once told me, she would stand in front of a train if she needed to protect me. I physically believe she would have, and emotionally she did this many, many, many times throughout my life. She was the protector of my heart. The protector of my soul, one of my best friends, and my guiding star. Her service to others was a example and her gift. Her love of the Savior, Jesus Christ set a strong spiritual example for all to follow. Fly away with your angel wings and find peace with those who have gone before you Mother. God Be With You Until We Meet Again. Love you, Phil"
In loving memory of
Inza Wheeler
January 7, 1934 - April 16, 2020
Inza Wheeler 86 of Hacienda Heights, California, and formerly of Preston, Idaho passed away on Thursday, April 16th at the home of her son in California.
Inza was born January 07, 1934, in Mancos, Colorado the daughter of Earl Hammond and Hazel Halls Hammond. She was raised and educated in Mancos, Colorado, where she graduated high school. She attended Ricks College in Rexburg for one year. She married Johnny Katich on July 11, 1953, and from that union, she had 5 children. Russell, Darren, Phillip, Jillyn, and Kyle. Inza and Johnny were later divorced. She then married Paul Shwartz on September 23, 1989, and they resided in Centerville, Utah. Paul passed away in 2008. She then later in life married Creed Wheeler of Preston. She resided in Preston until shortly after Creed's death, when she moved to Hacienda Heights, California with her son.
While she was married to Johnny, she owned and operated several Baskin Robbins locations. Her first location was in Longmont, Colorado. After a few years, she sold that location and relocated to Ogden, Utah, where she purchased two Baskin Robbins locations, later adding a third location in Clearfield, Utah. She was an active and involved owner of the business where she mastered her Ice Cream Cake decorating skills. She would also take these same skills and create masterful Ginger Bread houses for Christmas. She later sold the businesses and retired from Baskin Robbins
Inza was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints her entire life.
Inza is survived by her children, Russell (Brenda) Katich of Ashton, Idaho; Darren (Leslie) Katich of Reno, Nevada; Phillip Katich of Hacienda Heights, California; Kyle (Jacqueline) Katich of Auburn, Alabama; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by One brother Quinn (Jane) Hammond of Brighton, Colorado; sister Betty Jo Hammond, St. George, Utah. A sister in law Charla Hammond of Montrose, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Hazel Hammond, one daughter Jillyn Johnston; a granddaughter Kristen Sumbolt; and two brothers Dill Hammond and Larry Hammond.
Graveside Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 08, 2020, at the Preston City Cemetery, Preston, Idaho. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will hold a very brief 15-minute viewing at the cemetery prior to the services.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Franklin County Funeral Home, 56 S. State St. Preston, Idaho. Please share a memory of Inza or offer condolences to the family by leaving a tribute on this page or at www.franklincountyfuneral.com
Tributes
"The world will never be the same without Inza. She was a treasure of a person and an authentic, genuine friend. She has been one of my adopted grandmas since we lived in the same ward in California and I will greatly miss our talks on the phone."
"Such a beautiful soul. She touched many lives, mine being one of them. Lots of love and prayers for the family members waiting until they see her again."
"Thank you for letting me know of the passing of Inza. We go back to the early 80's. Of course Jill was the catalyst of me knowing the other members of the family. Inza always has a positive mind. A firm believer all will be good at the end. She adored her children and grandchildren. She was so grateful for you, Phil always being at her side. She raised some remarkable children. She was so proud of all you boys!! I'm sorry for this difficult time you are going through. She is in my memories and In my heart. Love you guys?Denise Powell"
"Aunt Inza will always and forever be in my heart! Growing up as a kid I stayed with her and the family a few weeks in the summers and learned a lot from her. She was so sweet and kind. One of my favorite Aunts. Rest in Heavenly Peace."
"To a woman I admired, you was like a mother to me. Your love for others was unconditional. God and your boys was the most important things to you. You always taught me that I was worthy and I deserved the best,and not to settle for less. God had gave you a amazing gift to want to help heal people, that alot of people didn't understand. You helped heal me physically and in so, many ways emotionally. You will be truly missed. Love you, Brenda"
"I met Inza a few years ago. All I knew of her was that she was part of our church and seemed like a nice lady. One day while walking my neighborhood, I was close to her house and an inner voice loudly told me to visit her. In the beginning, I was not sure if I should, but I got the courage to knock on her door and get ready to run, since I didn't want to be a bother. But she opened the door and told me, Where are you going? Please come in. From that day forward, I knew I had a friend - a nice sweet, loving, caring and wonderful friend. Someone I considered special; someone with a big heart. Now, I see her in heaven, not resting, but helping others just like she always had when she was with us."