M. Marie Wharton Francis
M. Marie Wharton Francis, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, from causes incident to age. She was born in humble surroundings on February 22, 1933 in Clarksville, Arkansas, the only child of Thelbert Lee and Ethel Jones Wharton. Her mother died shortly after her birth and she was raised by her father with the loving help of her mother’s sister, the late Norma Jones Wharton, and her paternal grandparents, Nathaniel and Sinthia Wharton.
At the age of two she moved with her father and grandparents to Oneida County, Idaho, where she was raised and attended school.
On August 14, 1949, she married Thomas L. Jones in Malad City, Idaho. Together they had two daughters, Barbara and Glenda Jones. They were later divorced.
Marie married Merrell L. Francis in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 23, 1957. Merrell loved her two cute daughters and raised them as his own. One son, Kenneth, was lovingly born to this marriage. Merrell died October 17, 1984.
Their family resided in Roy, Utah for 29 years. She and Merrell were members of the Roy High Booster Club and attended the Roy 14th Ward.
Marie retired from the Ogden City School District where she worked as a Computer Operator in the business office for 34 ½ years. She enjoyed her job, the opportunities it provided her, and the association she had with all those with whom she worked.
Marie was very proud to serve as a volunteer for various organizations. She served as a volunteer at St. Benedicts Hospital and Ogden Regional Medical Center for 39 years, at the Weber County Sheriff’s Office for 20 years, and on the Country Hills Manor Condo Management Committee for 13 years.
She was an avid fan of all sports, especially if her family members were participants. She traveled far and wide to support her grandchildren at their various ball games and activities. She was also a member of the Weber State Wildcat Club for many years.
She is survived by her daughter Glenda Hudgens (Bruce), son Kenneth Francis (Susan), son-in-law Mark Vernieu, cherished grandchildren Eric Bute (Jessica), Jason Hudgens, Ryan Hudgens, Ashlee Johnson (Jason), Luke Francis (Kara), Jake Francis (Johnna), Krysti Kinasewich (Ryan), and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Merrell, daughter Barbara, mother Ethel, father Thelbert, step-mother Alma, and her dear Aunt Norma.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to her excellent hospice nurses Nicole, Rachel and Dee from Bristol Hospice, her wonderful care team at Legacy House of Ogden, the therapy and care providers at Pineview Rehab, and her health care providers Jan Davis and Dr. Carolyn Bellfry.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at noon at Myers Mortuary in Roy, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Monday, March 9, 2026 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Myers Mortuary in Roy. Please visit https://myers-mortuary.com to view the full obituary and service details.