Karen Anita Tharp, 68, of Findlay died, at 9:41 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016, surrounded by her family, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center.  

She was born on Oct. 10, 1947, to the late James H. and Catherine (Stanford) Purdum.  On Nov. 5, 1966, she married David C. Tharp and he survives.

Also surviving are three children, Laura (Greg) Probst of Bluffton; Thomas C. Tharp of Columbus and Michelle (JD) Dale of Findlay; 11 grandchildren, Bryttani (Jason) Earl; Drew Probst; Lukas Probst; Levi Probst; Austin Probst; Kaleb Probst; Makenna Probst; Melanie Probst; Brady Dale; Carson Dale and Shelby Dale; and three brothers, Ron (Toni) Purdum; Jerry (Jetta) Purdum and Greg (Liz) Purdum.  A son, Barry also preceded her in death.  

Karen worked as a nurse at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Winebrenner, St. Catherine's and the Bluffton Hospital before retiring in 2002. She was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school, served as youth director and family camp director.  She enjoyed traveling and flower gardening.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Findlay, with Pastor Barry Baughman and Pastor Laurie Beaty officiating.  

Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay, and for one hour prior to the service (10-11 a.m.) Tuesday at the church.  

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul's U.M.C. Youth Fund or to Bridge Hospice in her memory.  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting
coldrencrates.com.