Jack and Lorraine Wharton

John Wilbur Wharton (Jack), 96, and Marian Lorraine Wharton (Lorraine), 91, of Sacramento, California, both passed away on January 17, 2026, surrounded by family. Jack passed first and Lorraine followed barely an hour later.

Jack and Lorraine’s lives came together when Jack wooed Lorraine with homemade cherry ice cream from his ice cream shop and promises of rides in his ‘32 Studebaker coupe. Soon after, Jack and Lorraine found themselves in Nevada late one night, waiting for the Justice of the Peace to return to town. There, in the wee hours of the morning more than seventy-one years ago, they swore their lifelong love for one another.

Since that day, they remained steadfast at each other's side. They bought a house that remained their home for over seventy years. They raised three children, instilling in them a love of nature and the mountains. After Jack’s retirement, they travelled the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with their trailer, collecting mementos along the way that Jack installed in Lorraine’s garden. Over the past few years, when travel was no longer in the cards, their teardrop trailer became their personal movie theater.

In the end, Jack and Lorraine left us in peace, comforted by the soft voice and caring touch of those they loved. We can only imagine they are once again travelling the back roads together, enjoying the evening alpenglow and fresh mountain air.

Jack and Lorraine are survived by their three children, Robert Wharton (Darcy), Steven Wharton, and Joan Wharton (James Burns); three grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, and Emily; and Lorraine’s sister Patricia Perkins (Dave Drake).