Joplin Globe - May 10, 1936

Mrs. Mary E. Calentine , 72 years old, a long time resident of Joplin, died at 1 o'clock this morning at her home, 3415 Moffet Avenue.

Surviving are her husband, John E. Calentine, three daughters, Mrs. M.G. Townley, Mrs. Harry Gala of Joplin and Mrs. Sam Sweet of Galena; a son William Wheeler of Webb City and several grandchildren.

She is the widow of Hugh Wheeler, from Springfield, Greene County, Missouri.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. (End of Obit)

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Joplin News Herald - May 1936

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary E. Calentine, 72 years old, Gold Star mother and long-time resident of Joplin, who died at 1 o'clock Sunday morning at her home, 3415 Moffet Avenue, will be conducted at 10 o'clock this morning at the residence. The Rev. E. T. Hardaway of Carthage will officiate. Burial will be in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.

A son, Clarence Wheeler, who served overseas with Company A, Thirty-fifth, division, was killed in action on September 15, 1918, in France. His mother made the pilgrimage of Gold Star mothers to France in August, 1930. (End of Obit)

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Mary Etta (Campbell) Wheeler Calentine died on May 10, 1936. She was the daughter of Samuel Campbell and Luclinda (Pratt) Campbell.

Her children included: William M. Wheeler, Nella "Nellie" Grey (Wheeler) Wright Sweet, Clarence Wheeler and Earl Wheeler.

Mary Etta Campbell married Hugh Wheeler on November 30, 1883, in Rendine, Laclede County, Missouri.

Mary Etta (Campbell) Wheeler married John E. Calentine on Feb 3, 1902, in Jasper County, Missouri.

John E. Calentine survived Mary, but He died one month later, at his residence, 1024 Hill Street, Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, due to internal injuries sustained to his chest following a struggle with robbers.

Cause of Death for Mary E. Calentine: Lebrons Valvular Heart Disease

HISTORY OF GOLD STAR MOTHERS;
(1) As per American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
and (2) Wikipedia:

"On May 28, 1918, President Wilson approved a suggestion made by the Women's Committee of the Council of National Defenses that, instead of wearing conventional mourning for relatives who have died in the service of their country, American women should wear a black band on the left arm with a gilt star on the band for each member of the family who has given his life for the nation." (1)

"Shortly after World War I (1914 - 1919) the American Gold Star Mothers Inc. was formed in the United States to provide support for mothers who lost sons or daughters in the war. The name came from the custom of families of servicemen hanging a banner called a Service Flag in the window of their homes. The Service Flag had a star for each family member in the United States Armed Forces. Living servicemen were represented by a blue star, and those who had lost their lives were represented by a gold star. Gold Star Mothers are often socially active but are non-political.

Today, membership in the Gold Star Mothers is open to any American woman who has lost a son or daughter in service to the United States. On the last Sunday in September, Gold Star Mother's Day is observed in the U.S. in their honor. The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code." (2)

"The founder of the American Gold Star Mothers, Grace Darling Seibold, said 'Grief turned inward is self-destructive.' So you have to take that and move it out and create something positive that's going to help other people.

The organization continues to be successful because of the bond of mutual love, sympathy, and support of the many loyal, capable, and patriotic mothers who while sharing their grief and their pride, have channeled their time, efforts and gifts to lessening the pain of others.

The Gold Star Mothers stand tall and proud by honoring their children, assisting veterans, supporting our nation, and healing with each other." (1)