Loreita Tharp

LOREITA "RITA" MAREE THARP

Cedar Rapids

Loreita "Rita" Maree Tharp, 76, passed away at home on May 11, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Services for Rita will be on Tuesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. There will be a visitation for Rita on Monday, May 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home.

Rita is survived by her husband; her daughters, Christina Kirchmann (Greg) and Cathy Folkers (son-in-law, Bob); her son, Jim Tharp (Gale); her brother, Barry Bell (Darlene); her sister, Pam Clinton (Bill); and her sisters-in-law, Darlene Ealy (Chuck) and Janet Baumgardner (Dave); her brother-in-law, Tom Tharp (Mary); her very special friend, Liz Young; her grandchildren, Justin Kirchmann (Shireen), Jenny Tharp, Tim Tharp (Stefanie), Joshua Kirchmann (Delisa), Chad Folkers, Nicole Kirchmann, Robby Folkers and Cody Folkers; her 11 great-grandchildren; her furry four-legged children, Sissy, Issabell and Pepe; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Lester Millis; her nephew, Lance Bell; her special friends, Ron Young and Judy Dort; and her furry children, Mickey, Laddy, Suki, Kinki, Babbi, Spunky, Sam, Missy, Tibs, Beethoven, Sidney, Baxter, Mindy and Brandy.

Rita was born Dec. 3, 1940, to Byron and Loretta (Hanno) Bell in Waterloo, Iowa. She graduated from Jefferson High School. On July 9, 1960, she married the love of her life, James "Larry" Tharp, at Asbury Church in Cedar Rapids. For her professional life, she worked for Family Service Agency as a Mobile Meals assistant director.

She also enjoyed bird watching, shopping, traveling, bowling and sewing. Also, she belonged to several camping clubs.

Memorials in Rita's name may be made to the hospice program at Mercy Medical Center.

Online condolences maybe left for the family at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.