After a lifetime of teaching, caring for others and sharing God’s love and mercy, Patricia Tharp of West Liberty, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister passed away surrounded by family on May 25, 2026.
Patricia was born on Dec. 30, 1947, in St. Joseph, Mo., the second child of Verland and Mary Olsen. As a toddler, she and her family moved to the West Liberty area. Patricia graduated from West Liberty High School in 1966 as valedictorian, was a National Merit Scholar and State of Iowa Scholar, earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education magna cum laude from the University of Northern Iowa during the spring of 1970 and earned her master’s degree magna cum laude from the University of Iowa to become a reading specialist. Patricia taught first and sixth grade in Williamsburg and first grade in the Iowa City School District. She met Michael Tharp while both were students in the honors program at UNI and became married on March 21, 1970, to be united in marriage for 56 years until her passing.
Patricia knew her calling and lived her life with devotion to that calling. Patricia loved, taught, supported and encouraged children whether in school, church, home or anywhere else God provided the opportunity. Patricia loved playing, teaching and enjoying music. She was the church organist at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Liberty for 50 years and taught her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play the piano. Patricia loved quilting, reading, camping and any teaching opportunity. She continued to teach and tutor children after her retirement.
Patricia is survived by her husband, Dr. Michael Tharp of West Liberty, her children and their spouses Lara Lozano (Juan) of West Liberty, William Tharp (Marciana) of West Liberty, Thomas Tharp (Angela) of Lisbon, and Melanie Womachka (Brian) of West Liberty, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her brother David Olsen of Palo, and her sisters, Carol Campbell of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Susan McMahon of Washington.
Visitation was held 4–7 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Liberty. Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Church. Interment was in the Oak Ridge Cemetery, West Liberty.
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