1927
Ruth
2014
Ruth Tharp
August 27, 1927 — November 13, 2014
Ruth Nadine (Smalley) Tharp was born on August 27, 1927 in Geuda Springs, KS, to Harold Smalley and Eva Duvall Smalley. She passed from this life on November 13, 2014. Moving around and attending school in Byron, OK, Driftwood, OK, Attica, KS, Kiowa High School and a few other places we can't remember, she received her GED from South Barber High School. That, however, was after two sons, two daughters - in - law, and a few grandchildren, but we'll get to that.
On March 22, 1947, she married Robert "Bob" Henry Tharp at the courthouse. They showed up to get their marriage license, and the judge said, "Or we can just do this now..." After a loving look and a shoulder shrug, they said, "Why don't we do this now?" They were married for 52 years.
Around 11 months after they were married, they were blessed with their first son, Tommy "Tom" Ray Tharp. Three years later, when their second son, Terry Robert Tharp was born, they decided the world couldn't handle another Tharp boy.
She loved to sing every chance she got. Sometimes she would wake the sleeping Tharp family early in the morning with those sparkling top notes. She also loved to sing with her family, and at church.
She and Bob started their truck making business in the 80's. They made and sold trunks for almost 20 years, making sure their kids and grandkids each had a special one. They loved those four grand girls. They begged for boys, but just couldn't get their way. Girls smell better anyway.
Many afternoons were spent shouting Jeopardy answers, right or wrong was always a tossup, and filling in crossword puzzles like a machine. She and Bob really loved taking trips to Hutchinson, KS, to visit their family, and go to the state fair. They also enjoyed the daily visits from the granddaughters across the street.
We will never forget the special treats of cheetos and vanilla wafers, as well as her homemade beef and noodles, cherry pie, and delicious gravy!
Later in life, when she joined her friends at the Kiowa Manor, she became the bingo champion. Once her fortune is discovered, it will be distributed evenly amongst family members.
She made many new friends, and had wonderful neighbors who welcomed her with warmth. Grandma had the willingness to be delighted. She tried her best to pass that along to her sons, but, ya know, they were too far into the dark side.
Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob; her sister, Ruby Catlin; brothers, Willard Smalley, Wallace Smalley, Henry Smalley and her parents.
She is survived by sons, Tom (Chris) of Kiowa, KS, Terry (Terri) of Hutchinson, KS; sister, Millie Davis and four grand girls, Sarah, Katie, Emma and Hanna, as well as several nieces and nephews and a number of invaluable friends.
Funeral service for Ruth will be Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Kiowa First Christian Church with burial at Riverview Cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Kiowa Manor, Kiowa First Christian Church or Alzheimer's/Dementia Research.
On March 22, 1947, she married Robert "Bob" Henry Tharp at the courthouse. They showed up to get their marriage license, and the judge said, "Or we can just do this now..." After a loving look and a shoulder shrug, they said, "Why don't we do this now?" They were married for 52 years.
Around 11 months after they were married, they were blessed with their first son, Tommy "Tom" Ray Tharp. Three years later, when their second son, Terry Robert Tharp was born, they decided the world couldn't handle another Tharp boy.
She loved to sing every chance she got. Sometimes she would wake the sleeping Tharp family early in the morning with those sparkling top notes. She also loved to sing with her family, and at church.
She and Bob started their truck making business in the 80's. They made and sold trunks for almost 20 years, making sure their kids and grandkids each had a special one. They loved those four grand girls. They begged for boys, but just couldn't get their way. Girls smell better anyway.
Many afternoons were spent shouting Jeopardy answers, right or wrong was always a tossup, and filling in crossword puzzles like a machine. She and Bob really loved taking trips to Hutchinson, KS, to visit their family, and go to the state fair. They also enjoyed the daily visits from the granddaughters across the street.
We will never forget the special treats of cheetos and vanilla wafers, as well as her homemade beef and noodles, cherry pie, and delicious gravy!
Later in life, when she joined her friends at the Kiowa Manor, she became the bingo champion. Once her fortune is discovered, it will be distributed evenly amongst family members.
She made many new friends, and had wonderful neighbors who welcomed her with warmth. Grandma had the willingness to be delighted. She tried her best to pass that along to her sons, but, ya know, they were too far into the dark side.
Ruth is preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob; her sister, Ruby Catlin; brothers, Willard Smalley, Wallace Smalley, Henry Smalley and her parents.
She is survived by sons, Tom (Chris) of Kiowa, KS, Terry (Terri) of Hutchinson, KS; sister, Millie Davis and four grand girls, Sarah, Katie, Emma and Hanna, as well as several nieces and nephews and a number of invaluable friends.
Funeral service for Ruth will be Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Kiowa First Christian Church with burial at Riverview Cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Kiowa Manor, Kiowa First Christian Church or Alzheimer's/Dementia Research.
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