Gwen Wharton

Gwendolyn V. Wharton was born January 18, 1926 on the family farm southwest of Anthony, Kansas, daughter of Charles Conrad and Edna V. (Patterson) Hormel.  She attended Anthony schools until her senior when she attended Spring High School graduating with the Class of 1944.  

On November 9, 1944, Gwen was united in marriage with James Robert “Jim” Wharton at the Hormel homestead southwest of Anthony.  This union was blessed with two children: Connie and Larry.  

Gwen and Jim were inseparable throughout their 72 years of marriage. They farmed and raised cattle together, and due to Gwen’s request, they only raised black angus cows.  

Gwen was a lifelong member of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church.  She loved cardinals, hummingbirds, singing, and playing the piano by ear.

In 2016, Gwen and Jim moved into the Anthony Community Care Center.  She became known as Grandma Gwen to many of the employees.  She really enjoyed her room and the care she received.

Gwen loved being a farm wife, mother, and grandmother.  All of Gwen’s grandchildren were very important to her but in later years, she grew a very strong bond with her granddaughter, Keena, who visited her weekly, ran her errands, and took care of any need or want of Gwen’s.

On February 4, 2026 Gwen passed away, just a few weeks after celebrating her 100^th birthday.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; her brother, Frankie Hormel and his wife, Judie; and her nephew, Todd Hormel.

Gwen will be deeply missed by her children: Connie Vardy and husband, Dennis, and Larry Wharton and wife, Roxan; five grandchildren: Jimmy Vardy and wife, Carol, Janie Tubbs and husband, Terry, Cindy Sherraden and husband, Scott, Keena Burnet and husband, Tim, and Jeremy Kienzle and wife, Kristin; several great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.  

Funeral service was held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony with Pastor Jeff Enabnit officiating. Videos of Jim and Gwen singing “In the Garden” and “You Are My Sunshine” were played.  Burial followed in Spring Grove Cemetery.  Honorary casket bearers were Kevan Allen, Theron Eslinger, Rusty Foss, Lyle Foss, and Rodger Linn.  Casket bearers were Gwen’s great-grandsons: Christian Elliott, Timothy Sherradon, Brandon Sherradon, Andrew McIntire, Dawson Vardy, Tanner Kienzle, and Mason Grimmett.  

Memorials in memory of Gwen may be made payable to Anthony Community Care Center and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.