Tharp, Shirley L.

Shirley L. Tharp, 77, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, at Calvin Community in Des Moines. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Central Church of Christ, where visitation will begin at 9 a.m. The Rev. Norman Bales will officiate. Burial: Urbana Cemetery, Urbana. Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include her children, Trevor (Diana) Tharp of Iowa City, Troy Tharp of Glenwood, Laura (Kevin) Ferrall of Cedar Rapids and Julie (Mark) Goldner of Ankeny; a sister, Ramona Dochterman of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren, Tara Tharp, Joshua Ferrall, Sean Ferrall, Rachel Ferrall, Bethany Tharp, Ezra Goldner and Caleb Goldner; a great-grandchild, Holland Hackbarth; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles LeRoy Tharp; her parents; and two sisters, Pauline Tharp and Lucille Bjornsen.

Shirley was born Sept. 1, 1935, in Benton County, the daughter of Paul and Hilda (Baugh) Rayner. She married Charles LeRoy Tharp on July 29, 1956, in Cedar Rapids. Shirley was a homemaker and very devoted to her family. She had a genuine love for children and spent years providing loving child care for many families. Shirley was a member of Central Church of Christ. She loved dolls, flowers, crafts, collecting eagles and writing poems. Shirley enjoyed listening to Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, watching funny movies, laughing and ice cream bars.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Please leave a message for the family on the website www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

Published Jan. 11, 2013 in The Gazette