Marjorie Wharton, 93, passed away Monday, July 8, 2025, at Avalon Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana. She was born on September 21, 1931, and was the daughter of Alfred and Amelia (Barthel) Henke. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Daisy and Max Snyder. She was married to Paul on May 26, 1951, and he preceded her in death in 1991. She made her home with Paul and their four daughters in several places. With Paul being a Purdue Extension Agent, they lived in Rensselaer, Mill Creek, Fish Lake, Crown Point, Bluffton, Columbus, and Merrillville-all in Indiana. She and Paul enjoyed travelling to conferences, and spending time at the Michigan cabin.
Marjorie was a graduate of Riley High School in South Bend. She worked at Bendix, St. Joseph’s College, and Goldblatt’s. She was a Girl Scout Leader and later volunteered at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend. She helped daughters with 4-H projects, piano, and many crafts. Marjorie spent several winters with friends or family in the St. Pete Beach area in Florida. She was the best Cubs fan ever and followed Purdue football and basketball. She enjoyed watching most sports.
She is survived by daughters, Patricia Berger of Remington, Julie Lubaway (Mike) of Valparaiso, and Kay Wharton from Los Osos, California. Survived by 4 grandchildren, Katherine Chrisman, Adam Berger, David Lubaway, and Ashley Massow. Her great-grandchildren Anne, Paul, Nicholas, Cecilia, Jeffery, Lucas, Margaret, and Harper. She was preceded in death by Paul, and her daughter, Debby along with her siblings-Alfred, Esther, Evelyn, Ruth, Kenneth, William, Catherine, Joyce, June, Charles and her parents, Alfred and Amelia Henke, and Daisy and Max Snyder.
At her request, there will be no services with burial at Sumption Prairie Cemetery in South Bend at a later date. Special thanks to Pines Village Retirement Community, Rittenhouse Village-Portage, Avalon Springs, and VNA Hospice of Valparaiso.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family! May God through prayers give you comfort and strength through this difficult time. You have so many memories to treasure and cherish. She will always be in your hearts. May she RIP and rejoice with her reunion if family in heaven. She will be missed on earth. -Kathy Summerfield
I'm so sorry to hear of Marjorie's passing. My mom and her were friends at Pines Village. She really was the best Cub fan! Condolences to the family. -Renee Ives
Sorry to hear of Marge’s passing, she was my closest neighbor on Clear Lake. Prayers to all the family. -Kathy Heusmann
