Martha Ann Tharp, 91, of Wanatah passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Lifecare Center of the Willows in Valparaiso. She was born February 18, 1934, in Marion, Kentucky to Benton & Imogene (Gass) Newbell. Ann was a longtime member of LaCrosse Christian Church. In recent years she developed a particular taste for Milky Way candy bars, but really any chocolate would do. The regular trips back to Kentucky held a special pleasure, reconnecting with family and friends, usually over some of the best southern comfort food that could be asked for. But it was always her family and the grandkids that put a glint in her eye and a smile on her face.
On May 14, 1955, in Corinth, Mississippi she married J.R. Tharp who preceded her in death on July 12, 2023. Survivors include their children: Sharon (David) Harness, Rick (Jackie) Tharp, James (Amy) Tharp, grandchildren: Kim (Jason) Wazny, Josh (Jessica) Tharp, Joey (Nicolette) Tharp, Evan Tharp & Abby Tharp, great-grandchildren: Tyler, Remmington, Beau, Charlotte & Colson, and niece, Linda (Mike) Sutton. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Parrish and brothers, Robert & John Newbell.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 19th from 2 – 6 pm at Wanatah Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will be held Thursday, 10:30 am at the funeral home, Chaplain Missy Buche officiating with burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to LaCrosse Christian Church.
