Iona E. Wharton, 95, Minot, died Tuesday, August 12, 2014, in a Minot hospital.

Iona was born November 17, 1918 in Des Lacs, ND to LeRoy E. and Grace (Williams) Shaffer. She was raised on the farm near Des Lacs and graduated from Des Lacs High School in 1936.

Iona attended beauty school in Minot, which lead to her position at Goldies in Minot for a number of years.

She was united in marriage to Richard Wharton on August 31, 1942 in Glasgow, MT. They lived in Minot and were blessed with four children, whom she took pride in raising. After her children were grown, Iona returned to the beauty shop in 1967, working for fifteen years at the Lutheran Home until retiring in 1982. Winter months were spent in Mesa, Arizona. Richard died on January 17, 1984.

Iona was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Minot. She was active in the Ladies' Circle, taught Sunday school and was willing to help wherever needed at the church. She was also a member of the Floral Rebekah Lodge and Moose Lodge in Minot and participated in bowling leagues for a number of years. She also enjoyed fishing. Iona and Richard loved to dance and were often found at square and round dances throughout the area.

Her loving family includes her children, Mona Wilder, Minot, Richard (Susan) Wharton, Black Diamond, WA, Ronald (Thalia) Wharton, Minot and Janis (Greg) Engberg, Colorado Springs, CO; 9 grandchildren; 11 Great-Grandchildren; sisters, Alta Larson and Dorothy Teets, Both of Minot, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Iona was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Richard and sister, Gladys Shaffer.

Funeral Service: Friday, August 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rolling Green Cemetery, Des Lacs, ND
Visitation: Thursday, August 21, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.