Violet M. Ruga Wharton
May 2, 1926 - July 22, 2013
Violet M. Ruga Wharton
"Vi"
Vi Wharton died July 22 doing what she enjoyed. She was playing solitaire at the kitchen table where friends and family have gathered to enjoy her hospitality for over 60 years. Like so many things she did in her 87 years, Vi passed away on her own terms without complaint and without troubling anyone. As she left her beloved home for the final time, a Christmas tune played in the background.
Vi was many things. She was a wife, mom, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a sister, an aunt and a friend to everyone she met. She created a home that was a gathering place. Her "priceless junk" filled every nook and cranny of her small home, most of it gifts folks lovingly selected with just her in mind. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she planned her "themes" for months. Friends, family, children and even total strangers gathered in her home during the holidays to marvel at the magic she created. She loved birdhouses, yard sales, anything to do with her beloved University of Utah Utes, watching sports on television, going on any kind of vacation, playing blackjack in Wendover where most of the dealers seemed to know her by name and enjoying golf, especially at Forest Dale where the pro called her "the queen."
Mostly, she taught by example. She seldom complained, always tried to pick up the check at dinner, was the first to help at a party, was a giver and not a taker, and was a quiet, humble Catholic who seldom missed Mass. Kids of all ages loved her because they recognized a kindred spirit who was always willing to play on their level. By watching her care for her beloved late husband Jack, friends and family learned the meaning of true love.
Vi was preceded in death by her husband Jack. She is survived by her sister Rosalie, sons Tom (Nancy), Derk (Alicia), daughter Lori Nickerson (Nate), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who have all experienced her unlimited love in so many ways.
A wake celebrating her life will be held Friday, July 26th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Dress is casual with Ute gear or Christmas shirts and sweaters welcome. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in her honor Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to St. Ann Catholic Church.
In Loving Memory
A perfect obituary Tom! The last time we saw Vi was 2 years ago when we were in SL for my Mom's memorial. We stopped by the house and she was outside puttering in the yard, and had a story for every bird house. I have such fond memories of her from my childhood. It's so hard to say goodbye, we will miss her. I wish we could attend the wake, Christmas sweaters and all! Sending love to you all, JK and Bob
Janet and Bob Costa
Lundbreck, Ab
Oh Tom, I don't believe we ever met your Mom but from that wonderful obituary it is clear where you got your positive outlook on life. I'm sure she was proud of you and we hope you are comforted by the fact that you were able to be nearby for most of your life.
Dee and John Rowland
Cottonwood Heights, Ut
Dear Tom and Emma - please accept our sympathies to you and all your family for the recent loss of your beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will keep you close in our thoughts during the days ahead. Anne
Anne Burkholder
Salt Lake City, Ut
I was so blessed to have Vi as my neighbor! She is the sweetest soul I have ever met. If you have seen her home at Christmas and other holidays or her yard on any day, you knew Vi did everything with heart. Love and miss you Little Lady with such a Huge Heart. See ya dwn the road :-)
Janice Leavitt
Millcreek, ut
Tom,Derk,Lori. we are sorry for your loss miss Vi was a special lady and a good friend too us. Even thou she did not drive she would be there if we needed something. I (Clary) remember our block partys. I (Karen) also remember spooky halloweens. We are proud to have added to her "priceless junk" collection especially her mice. Christmas eve will never the same. Love you guys. You will always be special to us. We will keep in touch.
clary/karen/jerry
salt lake city, ut
Lori, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I feel blessed to have met your mom this last spring. She was so friendly and cheerful and seemed like someone who drew others to her. You are so much like her in those ways. I will continue to pray for you and your family that you will find peace and comfort. Love ya, Nyla
Nyla Bowers
Pleasant Grove, UT
Tom, Derk & Lori, We were very sorry to learn of your Mother's death. She was a wonderful person and we always enjoyed interactions with your parents for many years as you were growing up at the Salt Lake Swimming & Tennis Club. Christmas Holidays were always special treats at the Wharton household. Our deepest sympathy to all your families at the loss of your wonderful Mother. Love, Jean & Harry Wong
Jean & Harry Wong
Salt Lake City, Ut
I am so sorry about your Mom. I just had a nice talk with her about 2 weeks ago when I called her to tell her that Marvin had died. I am so sorry that we can't be there to celebrate her life with you,as we are having Marvin's funeral on Sat. the 27th also in Mesa AZ. Love to you and your family.
Violet Manwill
Payson, Ut
To Tom, Derk and Lori and the extended Wharton Family: Susan and I send along our deepest sympathies over your dear mother's passing. Vivacious Vi! She was always the bubbly life of any gathering. And of course, that out-going personality was a trait she passed on to her kids. As sort of a mentor to Tom in our days at the Salt Lake Tribune, I felt a special kinship with Vi and Jack. It was almost as if I was a brother to Tom instead of a sometimes "boss." There were occasions that the "evil eye" Vi cast my way could be interpreted as "now you be good to my Tommy." It's OK, Vi....Tom became (and still is) one of the best journalists in Utah history. My only regret is that I didn't get a blackjack lesson from Vi. May you find solace in the fact that everyone loved Vi. She will be missed.
Dick Rosetta
Midvale, Ut
Dear Derk, Alicia and Wharton Family, I only met Vi a couple of times but she sure made an impression. She had such an amazing attitude and love for life that drew people to her. She will be greatly missed! My mother, Emma Lou Thayne, has fond memories of playing with and against Vi in tennis through the years and raved at her stamina. She too send her condolences. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Warmly, Dinny and Mike Trabert
Dinny Trabert
Salt Lake City, UT
Lori, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing you (and having known your father) I can tell that she was a fantastic lady. May you feel the Lord's peace a comfort and may your happy memories fill your heart at this time. God bless you and your family. Love, Carolyn Vandenakker
Carolyn Vandenakker
Taylorsville, Ut
Lori, Cindi and I are very sorry about the passing of your mom. We have been out of town in St.Geoge for the bulk of the summer.We do remember your mom enjoying Wendover. We are going to Las Vegas tomorrow, Tuesday. I'll put $5. into a machine in her memory.All is well and we'll start our seventh year in Granite in two weeks. Be good!
Wayne Edelson
nan, nan
Dear Derk and Lori, I was so sorry to hear of the recent passing of your Mom. She was a wonderful person who was always a pleasure to be around. I will always remember the wonderful Christmas Eve parties at your parents' home. They were the highlight of the holiday season. I wish I could have been there to pay my respects at your Mom's service but you were all in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Stacey
Stacey West
Hayward, CA
I just found out about Vi's passing and wanted to share my condolences with her family. My grandparents lived just down the street (Keith and Darlene Mastrim). I spent a lot of time at their house and Vi was a wonderful part of my childhood memories there. It was a yearly tradition to walk down the street on Christmas Eve and see Jack and Vi. I was also a dealer out in Wendover for a time and she was a beloved player- every single dealer absolutely adored her! I hadn't seen her some time but her memory will live with me forever.
Lyndsay Majewski
Farmington, Ut