Ruby Wharton
June 1, 1941 ~ May 12, 2023
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Ruby Wharton, 81, of Miller, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 26, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Miller, with Rev. Teresa Whetsel officiating. Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, Thursday, May 25, 2023, all at the church.
Ruby Ione Heinrich Wharton was born June 1, 1941, at Greeley, Colorado to Jacob and Lena (Delzer) Heinrich. At the age of one, her family moved to South Dakota, growing up in the small town of Isabel. Upon graduating from high school, Ruby went to ten weeks of summer school at Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota and started teaching that fall. Ruby continued to pursue her education by attending night classes and summer school earning a degree in elementary education. She enrolled in the master program at Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1981 and earned her master’s degree in 1982. During this time, Ruby raised her two children.
She was very involved in the community, she was a 4-H leader, singing in the choir, and was president of the Miller Education Association. After her family was raised, Ruby joined the Dakota Harmony Chorus and sang with them for 29 years. Ruby was also a member of the Huron Singles group and the First United Methodist Church.
Ruby is survived by her children: Valerie (Tim) Zipp, Parker, CO and Chad (LaDonna) Wharton, Jamestown, ND; grandchildren: Kristopher (Jess) Wharton, Bloomington, MN, Jaren Wharton, Fargo, ND, Jett Wharton, Jamestown, ND Karston Wharton, Jamestown, ND, and Natalie Hannah, Parker, CO; great grandchildren: McKenna and Hunter Hannah; siblings: Emma Ogdahl, Benton, TX, Violet Voller, Mobridge, David (Maxine) Heinrich, Rapid City, Arthur (Lois) Heinrich, Box Elder, and Eva June (Leonard) Busse, West Minister, CO; sister-in-law, Carol Heinrich, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Jacob and Lena Heinrich; brother, Edwin Heinrich; nephew, Delbert Ogdahl; and brothers-in-law: Marvin Ogdahl and Andrew Voller.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Ruby's arrangements.
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My sincere sympathy to the family of Ruby Wharton.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ruby’s family ❤️🙏. I always enjoyed visiting with Ruby when I was back in Miller. Usually at a restaurant. I had her for teacher at Center School
So sorry to hear about Ruby. I was so happy to see her last summer and chat about sewing. She was a lovely lady inside and out. I’m glad she was my Third Grade teacher out in the country school. Condolences to the family.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!!
Truly enjoyed her, always upbeat a beautiful smile, and quick wit.
Deepest Sympathy to Ruby's family. Always enjoyed visiting with Ruby when I was growing up.
Ruby was my teacher 6th though 8th grade at Mondamin country school. She always encouraged me to do more,with a smile. Later in life she would always say I was her favorite 😅. We could visit and laugh. They say that there is a teacher in our lives that makes a difference and she did in mine. I guess she was my favorite, she will be missed. But we all can cherish the memories.
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
My Deepest Sympathy to All. Ruby was a staple in the church community, as well as the community of Miller and surrounding area. I will always remember her singing in the choir with my Dad, Jasper and many others through the years. Your life touched the hearts💖 of so many. Rest Well, Ruby a good and faithful servant. 🙏💞🕊🌷
Valerie, Chad & families, my heart aches for each of you as you go through these difficult days. I honestly don't remember who lived in your Mom's house, prior to her. We used to always cut across the empty lot to go to school & there was a lot of play time on that lot. Your Mom was a great neighbor! As an adult, always enjoyed visiting with her. My condolances to each of you.
My sincere sympathy to all of Ruby’s family. She was always so very kind to our family!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!! So sorry for your loss!! GOD BLESS YOU!!
So very sorry Al and I are unable to attend the services. As a very small child and a cousin, Ruby was one of my first childhood friends. Though living miles away, she was a very loyal friend of the family and never missed a significant extended family event. We will miss her always happy presence. May the peace of God comfort each member of her family. Leatha (Heinrich) Satterlee