M. Kathleen Wharff
October 08, 2011
Kathleen Wharff, 88, entered into eternal life on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Bishop Drumm Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. She surrendered what she can never keep for the sake of what she can never lose.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, with burial to follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the church.
Born July 22, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary Kathleen Allen was the daughter of Theodore (Curly) and Helen M. Allen. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School. On March 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Bill Wharff.
Kathleen retired in 2000 after a successful, award-winning 32-year career in real estate, including ten years as the marketing director for Maplewood Village condominiums in Ankeny. She was a founding member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Mercy Medical Center, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was always first and foremost, a mother of limitless love and commitment!
Survivors include her children, Fr. Jonah (Tom) Wharff, o.c.s.o. of New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Paul (Juli Duncan) Wharff of Overland Park, KS, and Sue (Randy) Garvey of Ankeny; four grandchildren, Nate Garvey, Holly Garvey, Jed Garvey, and Scott Garvey; and great-grandson, Jonah Garvey. She was also an honorary grandmother to countless children, and loving aunt to numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill; sons, Stephen and John; brother, Francis (Curly) Allen; and sister, Margaret Cota.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bishop Drumm Care Center, Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, or Mercy Hospice.
Online condolences may be directed to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Mary Johnson
10/11/2011
Dear Sue,
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you have lost your dear Mother. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. I didn't know her but she must have been very special and you are a reflection of her. You will have many great memories of her and times with your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You will all be together with her again someday.
Take care. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
Mary
Nancy O'Connor
10/11/2011
Tom, Paul, Sue,
I look back with the FONDEST memories of spending time with your mother at the salon. I wish I was there today to give her her last "hairdo"!
She was one of my very favorite clients and considered her to be a close friend. You were all so blessed to have her for so long!
I miss our many good times and lots of laughs together. May she shine down on all of us now.
Nancy
Shawn Hunt
10/10/2011
Dear Father Jonah -
You, your family and your Mom are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
---Bob Mac, Shawn Hunt and all the guys in Des Moines.
Veretta Schuyler
10/10/2011
Sue- My heart goes out to you and your family at this very sad and life changing time in your lives. It's very sad to lose one of your parents, but remember the good times and know she's no longer in pain. She is in a way better place than you and I.
God bless you all and, Sue let me know if there's anything I can do for you.
Veretta
Dan McSweeney-Wallys group
10/10/2011
Dear Father Jonah, my condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. You are in my prayers . God bless you.
Dan McSweeney