WHARTON, Verna Lorraine

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ May 26, 2008 Verna Lorraine (Clem) Wharton, 89, died peacefully May 20, 2008, in Snowflake. Verna was born April 27, 1919, in Tahoka, Texas, to the late James and Clara (McAden) Clem. She attended the San Pedro High School in San Pedro, Calif., where she was in the Honor Society and earned the American Legion Essay Award. Following high school, Verna attended business school and went to work as a business manager for Artesia Hospital in Artesia, Calif. She then went to work for Martin Luther Hospital in Anaheim, Calif., as an assistant administrator where she was the first to activate the computer records, traveling all over California. At that time she received her degree in hospital administration in 1961 from Columbia University in New York. In 1940 Verna married Kenton F. Wharton who preceded her in death in 1994. Prior to his death they were avid deep-sea fishermen. Verna was a courageous and talented woman who was very close to her family. She loved Arabian horses, which gave her the honor of riding in the Rose Parade eight times. She is survived by her daughter, Lorraine (Willie) Wharton Pierce, as well as three grandchildren, Lisa Cathleen Pierce Berczel, Jerry Kenton Pierce and Susan Jean Pierce Davis. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Elton O'Conner Clem, Horace Weldon Clem and Marion Clem, as well as a sister, Mildred Clem. Private services will be held. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or visit www.owensmortuary.com.