Tharon I. Wardlow Obituary
Tharon Irene Wardlow, lovingly known as Tharon, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at home with her loving family by her side. She was born on September 2, 1928, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Wesley and Ruby (Seymour) Byron, and she lived a long life marked by love, strength, wisdom, and quiet courage.
Tharon grew up in Saginaw and attended Saginaw High School, where she began building the foundation for a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and service to others. She carried on the values of her upbringing throughout her life and was known for her gentle spirit, her steady presence, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. Those who knew Tharon will remember her as a loving woman whose heart was always open and whose words and actions reflected a deep care for others.
In 1946, Tharon married the love of her life, Christian Johnson, in Saginaw, Michigan. Their marriage was blessed with years of companionship and family until injuries he received in an auto accident in 1970 changed the course of their lives. In 1970, she later married Carl Wardlow in Rhodes, Michigan, and they shared many years together until his passing in 2015. Through every season of life, Tharon remained devoted to those she loved and found her greatest joy in the family she helped nurture and guide.
Tharon was a proud and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She is survi ved by her children, Christine (Jimmie) Anklam, Jan (Wayne) Rondo, Bradley (Patty) Johnson, and Melissa (Arthur) Hamm. She also leaves behind a large and cherished family of grandchildren, including Richard Erndt, Matthew (Mary Anne) Erndt, Mia (Jessica) Johnson, Justin Rondo, Eric (Herica) Hamm, Hanna (Brandon) Floren, Sheila (Brian) Krulicki, Pat (Rod) Hasse, and Karrie (Andrew) Placher. Her adored great-grandchildren include Natasha Meyette, Matthew (Erica) Erndt, Lacey (John Pool) Erndt, Amanda (Greg) Erndt, Michael Erndt, Zack (Hannah) Erndt, Jacob Erndt, Madison (Ryland) Krulicki, Ethan Rondo, Jackie (Mike) Rau, Brittanyann (Brad) Bekemeier, Samantha (Tom) Anthony, Christina (Mark) Skaggs, Kelsey (Will) Johns, Chris (Eden) Wiley, McKenzie Lafleur, Alex and Kaiden Placher. She was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren Brinley, Oaklynn, Haisley, Paisley, Madison, Riley, Mason, and Drake, Olivia, Liam, Jacob, Kenley, Lainee, Brenna, Brynn, Andi and Dani all of whom brought her immense joy.
Tharon is also survived by her brother, Leon Byron, and her sister, Lucille Cowles. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, her son Douglas (Sherry) Johnson, her granddaughter Tammy (Tim) LaRose, her infant daughter Debra Adair Johnson, her brother Frank Byron, her sisters June Swanton and Nikki Klomparens, and her son-in-law Jimmie Anklam. Her family was the center of her life, and her legacy will continue through each generation that follows her.
Throughout her life, Tharon gave generously of herself to her community. She volunteered endlessly to help others and served as a librarian, a sub cook, a playground aide at Mt. Forest Elementary Aid, and a PAL Program volunteer. Her willingness to serve, her dependable nature, and her compassionate heart touched many lives. She did not seek recognition, but her impact was felt by those who benefited from her time, energy, and care.
Tharon found happiness in the simple and meaningful things in life. She loved bird watching and was an avid reader, always finding comfort and enjoyment in a good book. She also loved riding her horse, Ruby, and treasured the peace and freedom that came with it. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored deeply. Her family was her greatest pride and her greatest joy, and the memories they shared will remain a lasting comfort.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to Randy & Kathy O'Laughlin and Pat Passage neighbors and friends as well as My Michigan Hospice of Midland for the compassionate care given to Tharon.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 4 pm from the Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home with family sharing. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Saturday, from 1 pm until time of service.
