On July 3, 1949, she married Elvin L. Tharp in Hawley, Oklahoma. They resided in Wichita and had two sons. Elvin passed away in 1989.
Donna worked for more than twenty-five years as university textbook buyer after her sons were in school.
She retired at age sixty-two and was able to spend time traveling overseas and in the U.S. with family and friends.
The family loved to camp and traveled all over the U.S.
Donna volunteered at Interfaith Food and Open Door Ministries for homeless and displaced persons. She was active in her church and volunteered at the Wichita Public Library.
An avid reader, Donna loved mysteries, music, art, theater, puzzles, and gardening. Her green thumb kept her vases full of roses and other lovely flowers from her yard.
Donna loved watching her family grow, providing love and guidance to every generation. She was the family’s guiding light and a fierce supporter.
Survivors include her sons, James and wife, Bonnie Tharp of Wichita; Michael and wife, Debra Tharp of Wichita; brother, Kenneth and wife, Mariel Baughman; grandchildren, Matthew and wife, Erica Tharp of Boston, MA; Elina and husband, Gregory Spiegel of Wichita; great grandchildren, Andrew, Miles, Alexander, and Amelia.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, 2022. The Memorial Service is 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 21, both at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Hwy 54, Wichita. Burial will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Gospels.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established with Open Door Ministries, 2130 E. 21st Street N., Wichita, Kansas 67214.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Tharp family.
