THARP, Mildred Mae (Millie)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 05/20/2003 Mildred Mae "Millie" Tharp, 86, died May 13, 2003 in Phoenix. Her first career which she truly loved was as a nurse. When it came time to have a job change, she became a Naturalization Clerk for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services, U.S. Dept. of Justice. In the San Francisco District Office and later the Anchorage District Office. Her greatest joy was her family including sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved halibut fishing in Alaska, crocheting, and arts and crafts. Traveling was another of her enjoyments. Millie married Ed Tharp in 1964 and together lived in many places, always enjoying each other. She was a Christian lady, a caring mother and a loving wife. Millie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Ed Tharp of Holbrook; sons, Tom and Kathy Watts of Burlington, Iowa and Michael; daughters, Sue and Robert Hellenthal of Burlington, Iowa, Constance Sue and Horace Milton "Mel" Bell of Show Low, Marsha Ann and David Bradley of Pinetop, and Patricia K. Abbey of Smith River, California; her mother-in-law, Helen L. Tharp; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, James and a sister, Dean Franklin. Graveside service was held at the Show Low Cemetery Monday, May 19.