Mary L. Wharton

Mary L. Wharton, 98, of Hillsboro, died Saturday, June 6, 2015.

She was born Dec. 15, 1916, in Belmont County, Ohio. She was one of nine children born to Glenn and Margaret (Thomas) Wood.

On March 23, 1935, she married W.G. “Mike” Wharton, who preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 1997.

Mary is survived by her children, Nancy Skidmore of Hillsboro, Jean McKenzie of Hillsboro, William “Bill” (Ann) Wharton of Bellbrook, Margaret (Nick) Foster of Kansas City, Kan., and Michael (Carol) Wharton of New Vienna. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Daryl (Tracy) Skidmore, Randy Skidmore, Angela Williamson, Karen Wilkin, Jayne (Kevin) Honnold, Alan (Beth) McKenzie, Sandy (Tim) Shoemaker, Mark (Ann) McKenzie, Carol (Monte) Shaw, Susan (Sam) Staley, Becky Jay, Ellen (Greg) Chicoine, Sam (Jessica) Foster, Clint (Katie) Wharton, and Jeffrey Wharton; 28 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, John Wharton and his wife, Nina, of Peebles.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca; eight siblings and their spouses; and two sons-in-law, Donald McKenzie and Homer Skidmore.

Mary and Mike moved to Highland County in 1946 and took up farming first on Pigeon Roost Road, and later on Careytown Road. Together, they became active members of the First United Methodist Church, The Highland Grange, Farm Bureau Council, the Highland County Fair Board, Ohio Fair Managers Association, and the Highland County Republican Committee.

Mary worked at the Producer’s Livestock Yards in Hillsboro, Washington C.H., and Wilmington, and at the Union Stockyards in Hillsboro. She was a long-time volunteer at Highland District Hospital as a “pink lady,” and served on various volunteer committees through the church, the hospital and the fair board. Mary and Mike loved to travel and enjoyed countless trips with the Senior Citizens and AAA, in addition to trips they took on their own. Most of all, though, Mary loved her family, and delighted in their visits, keeping photos on the refrigerator, getting postcards and letters, and hearing of their activities. Her large circle of family and friends will sorely miss her.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10 at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.

Dr. Derek Russell will officiate, with burial to follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery.

Friends may call Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home in Hillsboro.

Memorial gifts should be made to Hillsboro First United Methodist Church, 133 East Walnut Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133 or Community Care Hospice, P.O. Box 123, Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

For more information, go to www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com.