It is with great sadness that the family of Tharon [Johnson] Tenney announce her passing on Friday, January 1, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband and family, at the age of 71 years old.
Tharon will be lovingly remembered by her high school sweetheart and husband of 52 years, Harold, and her children, Kent [Charisse], Stacey, Brian [Candice], Melissa [Evan Neill], and Emily [Jeremy Beardall]. Tharon will also be fondly remembered by her twelve adoring grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle, Kaitlyn, Dylan, Todd, Sariah, Lyrisa, Ayden, Logan, Ethan, Bennett, and Brooke, as well as her siblings, friends, and extended family.
Tharon, born in Prescott Arizona, was the third of seven children, born to James Gerald Johnson Jr. and Cleotha Helen Coombs. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gerald [Dorothy], and survived by her siblings, Steven [Jo], Kevin [Debbie], Dennis [Robin], Becky Reed Adams [Rodney Adams], and Trish Talbott.
As a Mesa High School Jackrabbit, Tharon participated in the marching, twirling, and roping cheer group known as the Rabbettes. After graduating from Mesa High School in the class of ’67, Tharon spent her life working with children. In addition to raising her own five children, she provided daycare in her home, and worked as both an instructional aide and elementary school teacher in Mesa public and charter school systems. She loved making a difference in the lives of the students that she taught, and worked hard in and out of the classroom for them.
Tharon loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed endlessly reading book after book when time permitted. Although she wasn’t very musically inclined, she loved having music playing in the house and made it a point to have all of her children and grandchildren take music lessons. Family night was always spent playing games for hours around the kitchen table. She was a great listener and mediator, and her listening ear will be greatly missed by many.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life, Tharon’s sensible counsel, clever ideas, and faithful service were appreciated as she served in the children’s Primary organization and Young Women’s organization. Some of her best friends were made while immersed in the Lord’s work.
While the lack of her physical presence on this earth will surely be felt, we find solace in the knowledge that, in time, we will be reunited as a family and will continue to strengthen the relationships that we had here on earth.
A Celebration of Tharon’s life will be held at 10 am, on Saturday, January 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Monument Ward Building, 830 East Lehi Road Mesa, AZ 85203. A viewing will be held the night before from 6-8 pm, at Bunker Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Following local restrictions, face coverings must be worn at all times. For those attending services virtually, please join the following zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85602223420
Tharon was a lover of books and a teacher who wanted to foster a love of reading in others. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to Kids Need to Read at https://www.kidsneedtoread.org/give_books.html “in memory of Mrs. Tenney” or drop off new or gently used books to your nearest elementary school.
Sending my love to the family and deepest sympathies for their loss of such a wonderful, mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and best friend.
Tharon was one of the best visiting teachers I ever had. She came every month and always had a great message and a listening ear. I even got the courage to take my family on a service project because of her. I have missed her smile and kind words this past year.
We have really enjoyed our years getting to know Tharon and Harold as their home teachers. She will be missed. <3 to your family.
It’s hard to believe Theron has graduated and moved on to bigger and better things. Heaven just became brighter, but she leaves a big hole here. She will be missed. Lots of love to Harold, her beloved children and grandchildren.
I had the opportunity to work as an elementary teacher where she worked! She was such a great example to me and helped me in so many ways to help the students! She touched so many lives! May her family be blessed at this time!
It is hard to say goodbye to a friend and sister-in-law of 54 years. I will miss our lunches at Mattas and her excellent advise. My deep condolences go to Harold and their children and grandchildren.
Love and support to my friend Stacey and the entire Tenney family. So sorry for the loss of Tharon’s physical presence, but know that she shines through the thoughts and actions of every person she ever spoke to, helped, or even shared a brief smile in passing! Good people perpetuate the good!
I will miss having my friend just around the corner. She served many in her quiet kind ways. Her family was her pride and joy! My condolences go out to all who loved her.
Tharon will be missed so much. Kind and genuine 💗 She raised a beautiful family and taught them well. I admire the way they love and took care of her when she was in need. A wonderful bond was shared with her sweetheart Harold. They are both lucky to have each other as eternal companions. Sending love and condolences to all her family and friends.
My dear friend how i miss you. We had the best times together as we visited the ladies in our ward. I loved you and admired you greatly. May the Lord be with your family in every needful way. I know they will always rememder you and the kind spirit you brought into their lives. Save me a place beside you so that we can be eternal friends.
Im so sorry for your loss. She helped develop great kids and a loving family.
Growing up Tharon was very special. We were only 2 years apart in age. There were many times spent as cousins. She carried a heavy load surrounded by 4 brothers. It was fun just to be silly girls for a few hours when family visits allowed. I’m sorry I won’t be able to be at her service but i will treasure my memories of her and her influence in my life.
We are saddened by Tharon’s death, we have enjoyed the friendship of the Tenney Family here in the Monument Ward in the Mesa, Az Lehi Stake. LeeAnn and I were both recipients of Visiting & Home teaching visits from Tharon & Harold. May Heavenly Father continue to bless your Family on both sides of the veil …
I was so glad to have Tharon as my visiting teacher so I could get to know this sweet amazing lady. I loved having her and Doris come every month. They were so wonderful, and never missed. I always looked forward to those visits. We miss you Tharon! Prayers for you Harold and your family.
I want all of you to know how sad I was to hear of Tharon’s passing. I sent a card to the Kenwood address and it came back today, so I wanted you to know how much I thought of your sweet wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a wonderful friend. I’m glad I was able to watch the services online, it was a heartwarming service. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Mary Beydler