Grace Schoonveld

Grace Loretta Wheelock Schoonveld was born June 19, 1954 to Lucille and Willis Wheelock. Grace lost her year long battle with cancer on Jan 11, 2015. She grew up in Kentland, IN and was a South Newton HS and Indiana University graduate. Grace was a RN at IU Hospital in Indianapolis for over 35 years. She was a tireless volunteer with Special Olympics in support of her special needs son, Nicholas, and was recognized as the Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year for the state of Indiana in 2011. Grace lived a humble, selfless, simple lifestyle. She loved her huge Schoonveld / Wheelock family, and delighted in hosting family gatherings. The arrival of her three grandchildren have been the absolute wonderment of her life in the past few years. Grace was endowed with boundless energy, intelligence and caring. Her devotion to Nick and her determination to see him succeed, achieve acceptance, and live a happy meaningful life can be checked off as a win. Grace didn't care about jewelry, clothing, fancy vacations, etc. Her personal indulgences consisted of "power" walking with her best friend and neighbor year round and walking the Indy mini, dining with family and Special Olympics friends at various Indy restaurants, and watching the dancing, cooking, and home remodeling TV shows when she could. Grace was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Merillee, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2, and died a year later in 1975. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Brian Schoonveld, daughter Kimberly Knox (Chris), son Nicholas, grandchildren Emily, Addison, and Cameron Knox and siblings Dick Wheelock, Tom Wheelock, Sally (Wheelock) Walkup and Patrick Wheelock. Visitation will be Sunday, January 18, 2015 from 2 to 6 p.m. in Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple. Service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. with calling one hour prior in St. Matthew Catholic Church. Please consider in lieu of flowers a donation in Grace's honor to: Special Olympics Indiana Washington Twp (abbreviate as SOINWT) 6102 N Sherman Dr / Indianapolis IN 46220.