Patty Lue Wharton

Patty Lue Walters Wharton 78, born January 23, 1932, died November 6, 2010 in her home at Brighton Gardens with her husband, children, grandchildren and those who loved her by her side.
Patty was the oldest of three children born to Harvey S. and Meriam Z. Walters. She grew up in Rexburg, Idaho surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins who as a child she loved playing with. She graduated from Madison High school and attended University of Idaho, Alpha Phi. There she met Thomas L. Wharton of Anchorage Alaska; they were married in Rexburg Idaho and moved to The Territory of Alaska (Anchorage) in 1953. Together they experienced many adventures of Alaskan life. They resided in Anchorage for fifteen years raising three children Thomas, Sandra, and David. Patty was a member of The Anchorage Lion's club and was active in politics.
In 1969 they moved from Alaska to Seattle, Washington where Tom was Vice President of Rhodes Oven Products, later transferring to Salt Lake City. In Salt Lake City Tom and Patty started Select Reality, where Tom was broker and Patty was an agent. Tom and Patty enjoyed travel, especially in the United States, where they made a point to travel to all 50 states. Patty loved travel by train and enjoyed traveling to many parts of Canada as well.
Patty and Tom enjoyed golf and loved having a home on the golf course for many years. Patty enjoyed her bowling group and ladies bridge group. She had a good sense of humor and appreciated her friends with whom she could enjoy a good laugh. Patty was sensitive and had empathy for others, she was a loyal friend and a good listener. She felt the greatest gift she could give was to see, hear, understand and touch another person. Patty shared that gift with her three Grandchildren Peri, Christopher and Loren whom she loved being a Grandmother to.
In June when Patty was diagnosed with the return of breast cancer that had metastasized she continued to reach out with empathy to others, and lived the last difficult months of her life with grace. She embraced the saying "Life Is Short. Eat Desert First". In leaving us, Patty generously planned to gift her body to the University Of Utah School Of Medicine Body Donor Program. We will miss having her in our lives. It is now in our hearts we will continue to love and remember her always.
She is preceded in death by her brother Harvey Walters, Jr. She is survived by her brother David Z. Walters and wife Charlene, her husband of 57 years Thomas L. Wharton. Children; Thomas L. Wharton, Jr., Sandra W. Elliott and husband David, David H. Wharton and wife Cyndi. Daughter In-law; Cindy Nelson and husband Rick. Grandchildren; Peri Elliott, Thomas Christopher Wharton, Loren Elliott Stapley and husband Nathan.
Special thanks to her loving care providers at Hospice of Utah and Brighton Gardens. There will be no services; a private gathering will be held later. Remembrances in her honor may be made to Hospice of Utah.