It is with great joy that we come to announce that Waunita Stuart Wharton was reunited
with her Heavenly Father on May 5, 2026.

Waunita was born on July 17, 1945 to William Arthur Stuart and Gladys Polson Stuart in
Richland, Washington. For years afterward, she would fondly recall childhood visits to
her Grandma and Grandpa Polson’s home that overlooked the Puget Sound. In 1963,
Waunita left Washington and came to Mansfield, Ohio to join her older sister Joanne.
Waunita married the love of her life, David, in 1968. Waunita and Dave were the perfect
match for one another and spent fifty-seven years as husband and wife. They were the
picture of a loving marriage, raising two sons together.

Waunita never wanted to stop learning. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio
State University in Education, where she suffered the great injustice of receiving a C in
a math class taught by the most horrible math teacher (this travesty was never
forgotten). Never one to be complacent, she then went on to receive her Master’s
Degree in Library Sciences from Kent State University after being granted a fellowship
to do so. These educational achievements were some of her proudest moments and
she worked hard to earn them. Education remained deeply important to Waunita
throughout her life and she made sure to pass that love on to her children and
grandchildren.

Of course, as a lover of knowledge, it was only natural that Waunita’s career was spent
ensuring others had access to it. Waunita proudly worked as a librarian and a branch
manager for the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library system for thirty-five years.
As a woman who loved bringing people together, Waunita also started several programs
at the library that continue to this day, starting with Finish It Friday. Her work did not end
there. Waunita was also a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints. She contributed many hours of her life to the Relief Society and providing
guidance to young women through the Faith In God Girls youth group. Waunita believed
everything she did was in the honor of her lord and savior.

Before and after her years as librarian, Waunita was an avid reader and it was not
uncommon to find a stack of books next to her favorite chair. She was a skilled
seamstress, knitter and crocheter and her family is left with many fondly created
scarves, hats, and blankets as a result. This was only one example of Waunita’s
creativity, she was also a writer and leaves behind beautiful poetry to her name. Her
love of learning extended to other hobbies as well – she was the family genealogist and
kept detailed notes of family history that no doubt would have been forgotten if not for
her careful attention.

Her interest in genealogy was informed by her love of family. Waunita and David’s home
was the center of Wharton family life with many birthdays, Christmases, and Thanksgivings spent joyfully gathered at their kitchen table. Her children and
grandchildren were Waunita’s great source of joy and pride; she showered them with
love, support and encouragement. She believed in their dreams sometimes more than
they themselves did and desired only the best possible lives for them. Her love did not
stop there but extended to her many beloved pets. Waunita adored animals and the
Wharton household welcomed many cats and dogs into its loving environment as a
result. No matter what Waunita did, she did it with the sincerest love.

Waunita is survived by her cherished soulmate, David and her sons Kevin (Brandy)
Wharton and Brian (Jessica) Wharton. Left to honor her memory are her beloved
grandchildren, Brooklynn Wharton, Sara Wharton, Brian Wharton, and Sierra (Blake)
Bartolomucci. Also left by Waunita are her great grand-children Lyla, Neil and Vera to
provide light in this sad time. Waunita gave all those who knew her kindness and love
and will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Waunita has been reunited in Heaven with her parents along with her siblings, Dorothy
Elston, Joanne Walters, and Warren Stuart (who she especially held dear and admired)
as well as her much adored past pets.

A memorial service will be held Saturday May 23, 2026 at 10:00AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1951 Middle Bellville Rd, Mansfield. A luncheon will be held following her service.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to read a book, learn a new skill or tell someone
you love them. It is what she would’ve preferred instead.

Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society

Website: www.ohiocremation.org