Virginia Wharton

Virginia A. Wharton (nee Childress), age 92, formerly of Godfrey, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017, at Dolan Memory Care Lyon Manor in St. Louis, MO.She was born November 2, 1925, in Golden Gate, IL, the daughter of Robert O. and Grace P. (Parkinson) Childress.Mrs. Wharton earned her undergraduate degree in Education from McKendree College (now University) in Lebanon, IL, and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Illinois. Mrs. Wharton was a teacher and principal, first in Fairfield, IL, then for 35 years in Roxana School District, almost entirely at Central Elementary School.  She was also a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association.   Virginia always desired to learn more, and took classes well into her 80s. She volunteered for many years at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Her love of learning and of life inspired hundreds of students and parents alike, and she remained friends with many.  In 1953-54, she traveled alone to Japan to teach for a year. There she made lifelong friends who later traveled with her to many parts of the world.She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and a sister, Margaret C. Oppenheimer, of St. Louis.    She will be greatly missed by her nine nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews. It was her wish to donate her remains to science for research. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the Missouri Botanical Garden, or the charity of one's choice.Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey is in charge of arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home