Reta Nell Wharton (Stephens)

Reta Nell Wharton, 82, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, April 9, 2014 following a long illness. Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, April 15 at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055; interment at Mound Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 pm, Monday at the chapel. Contributions may be made to Outreach International, 129 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050. Reta was born March 2, 1932 in Independence, Missouri. She graduated from William Chrisman High School and attended Murray State Teachers College in Murray, Kentucky. Reta was an active, dedicated member of the Slover Park RLDS Church congregation. She was a devoted wife and mother to her four children, volunteering several years as a Cub Scout Den Mother. Reta was an avid doll collector and a member of the Santa Fe Doll Club, enjoying interactions with fellow collectors. Reta is survived by her beloved husband Dale J. Wharton; son Mickey P. Wharton, Ava, Missouri; daughter Teresa J. Herbst and husband Bill, Lawrenceburg, Indiana;
sisters Judy M Kelsey and husband David, Independence, Missouri; Dana L. Weir, Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren and eleven great- grandchildren. Reta was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents John and Nell Overcast, mother Eura Mae Julian, father Daniel L Stephens, sons Richard Stephen “Steve” Wharton and Jerry Dale Wharton.