Hi there
freereg.org have transcriptions for Sutton Mallet for that period, and John's burial isn't shown there between 1881 and 1884. There are 3 burials for a John Harding during that time on freereg.org
29 Jan 1881 Dulverton, aged 75 abode Dulverton
16 Mar 1881 Rode, aged 81 abode Road
19 Oct 1884 Lopen, aged 73 abode Cricket St Thomas
Shirl
Maybe she wasn't a widow after all on re-marriage