Mildred Jeanne Wharff, 83, of Oakdale, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Sept. 15, 2014.
Born Aug. 25, 1931, in Inglewood, California, to George and Dorothy Vickers, the family moved to Oakdale in 1941. She graduated Oakdale High School in 1949. While in high school, she played alto saxophone in the marching band and concert band. She also played the violin in the Modesto Community Orchestra. A graduate of Modesto Junior College and College of the Pacific, she taught over 30 years, beginning at Cardozo School in Riverbank, then at Cloverland School in Oakdale. Many remember her as their kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Yardley.
She married William (Bill) Wharff in 1960. She took a leave of absence from teaching when her youngest child was born, but returned as Mrs. Wharff to Fair Oaks Elementary where she taught fourth grade, second grade and first and second grade combination classes until her retirement in 1986.
She served as Honored Queen in the Riverbank Chapter Job’s Daughters organization. She was a member of El Rio Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron in 1962 with her father, George Vickers, serving as Worthy Patron. She was a member of the Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, United Methodist Women, and was head of the church’s Prayer Chain.
She is survived by her three children, Mark (Laura) Wharff, Lynda Lovelace Ogden, and Elaine Wharff; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren.
Spending time with the youngest members of her family brought her great joy over the years. She was loved and will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Street in Oakdale, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Avenue in Hughson, on Monday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m.
Oakdale Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances may be made to Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Street, Oakdale, CA 95361.
