Louise McLennan Wharton

Louise McLennan Wharton passed away September 14, 2013 at her residence in West Lake, Ohio, and was a former resident of Oklahoma City for over 62 years. She was born September 27, 1917 in China Spring, Texas to Will and Nettie Louise Gray McLennan, and was a Great Great Granddaughter of Neill McLennan, the first settler west of the Brazos for whom McLennan County is named.

Louise started her education at China Spring ISD and graduated from Waco High, Four C Business College and Beauty School. She was a Hairdresser in her younger years and at one time owned beauty salons in Los Angeles and Hollywood where many of her clients were young starlets and stars. In later years she was a realtor and co-owner with her husband, H.R. Wharton, of an oil production company, successfully bringing in nineteen wells without a “duster” after her husband’s death. Louise was an accomplished dancer, and as a teenager declined an invitation to join the Billy Rose Dance Group. Louise later attended the Arthur Murray School of Dance competing in many events and winning numerous awards and trophies. She will be remembered for her love of music, her skill as a Master Contract Bridge Player and by old friends in China Spring for her beauty.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Patsy Ann McLennan and Jean McLennan Hinds Fulp; brother, Maj. William Wilson McLennan; and husband, Homer R. Wharton. She is survived by daughter, Jean Ann Ortmann and husband Carl ; granddaughters, Joy Heldt and husband Gary, Crystal Eberly and husband Chad, Gay Lehnerz and husband Mark; six great granddaughters, Lauren Heldt, Meredith Heldt, Corrynn Eberly, Carrigan Eberly, Cameron Eberly, Payton Lehnerz and one great grandson Conrad Eberly. She is also survived by a brother, Lone Davis McLennan and a sister, Sally Jo McLennan Truhlar and husband Robert. She was fondly known as Aunt Sit to nieces Ruth Carole Hinds Schutza and husband Marvin, Stephanie McLennan Schaeffer and husband Greg, Mary Louise Truhlar Frauen and husband Todd, and nephew, Robert Truhlar Jr. Louise loved to entertain and spend time with family and friends and enjoyed many cruises and trips over the years.

She was a lifelong Methodist and funeral services will be Saturday September 21, 2013 at 11:00. The Rev. Jane Woodard of the China Spring Methodist Church will officiate with graveside services in the China Spring Cemetery.