Elizabeth Ann McBee

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann (Wheeler) McBee, 77, died Monday, October 16, 2023, after open heart surgery at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 23, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, Iowa, 50265, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Liz was the second of six daughters born to Bernard Thomas and Clare Inez (Cornwall) Wheeler in Spencer, Iowa, on April 9, 1946. She graduated from Spencer HS in 1964 and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she met her future husband, Colin, who had recently completed his Navy service. Liz and Colin reconnected in December of 1970 and were married on February 4, 1972, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Liz obtained her nursing degree in 1971 from Des Moines Area Community College and worked in Des Moines hospitals and nursing homes before ending her paid nursing career at the Iowa Foundation for Medical care, where she made many dear friends. Liz was truly selfless. Sit down and talk with her for ten minutes and she was your friend. She rarely talked about herself. Her conversations would always be focused on what was going on in your life. She gave freely to various charities and volunteered at IMPACT delivering groceries to those in need. Liz did not have time for other activities as they took her away from her interactions with family and friends. If she wasn’t in their presence, she was on the phone with them. Liz will be missed terribly by her husband, Colin, her children, grandchildren and friends.

Those who will miss her forever are her husband, Colin; sons, Bernie (Michelle) Dillman and Patrick (Leslie) McBee; daughters, Katie McBee (Tracey) Sheriff, Molly McBee Leo and Tory Jane Dillman; grandchildren, Olivia, Eli, Aiden, Nick, Nate, Anthony, Kylie, Shane, Matt, Emily, Josh, Gabe and Daphne; great granddaughter, Nara; grand dog, Lita; sisters, Maggie (Colin) Stephen, Patsy Wheeler, Katie (Tom) Strabbing and Teri Wheeler. Liz is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joan; and grand dog, Angel.

Memorials contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Liz’s name.