Sarah Ann Wharton, 70, of Vancouver, Wash., "joined Jesus and her beloved husband, Kip," on Feb. 14, 2005.

Sarah was born on May 7, 1934, in Independence, Mo., to Arthur and Elizabeth Smith, who later homesteaded at Swan Lake. She attended high school in Kalispell. She graduated from the University of Oregon, majoring in English.

Sarah married Kip Wharton in 1956. He preceded her in death in 1999.

Sarah was a member of First Christian Church in Vancouver, and very involved in volunteer work through the church. She was past president of Church Women United, and past president of the regional CWF.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking, reading, studying the Bible, and trips to her cabin at Swan Lake in Northwest Montana.

Survivors include son, Jeffrey Wharton, of Goldsboro, N.C.; daughter, Julie Koenig, of La Center, Wash.; brother, Bob Smith, of Woodburn, Ore.; sister, Mary Bonham, of San Jose, Calif.; and grandchildren, Nicholas and Jacob Wharton, and Elizabeth and William Koenig.

A celebration of life service will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, at First Christian Church in Vancouver.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be to The Share House, P.O. Box 1209, Vancouver, WA 98666.

Arrangements are under the care of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, Wash.