Grace L. Tharp

Grace Lenore Drumheller Tharp, age 94, long-time Hilliard resident, passed away March 19, 2015. Grace was born August 26, 1920 in Windham, Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University, where she met her husband of 59 years, Dr. Vernon L. Tharp of Hemlock, Ohio. They moved to the Hilliard area in 1947 and to the farm they purchased in Brown Township in 1952. Grace lived on the farm until her recent move to Merrill Gardens, a retirement community in San Diego, California. Hilliard Tharp Sixth Grade Building, a Hilliard City School, was dedicated and named after Grace in 2001. The dedication plaque reads, “A nurturer of plants and people, generous with her time and talents.” Grace was a tireless community leader. She was the first woman elected to the Scioto Darby Local Schools Board of Education (now Hilliard City Schools) and served for 20 years; first woman elected and served 7 years on the Central Ohio Vocational School Board (now the Harry Tolles Technical Center; served two terms as President of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association Auxiliary; was Chairman of the Women’s Department of the Franklin County Fair for 7 years; Katy-Did-Sew 4-H Club Advisor for 15 years; former Board of Trustees Member of the Hilliard United Methodist Church and a current Member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Grace was an avid gardener and traveled the world. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. She had infectious enthusiasm for life and her positive attitude was a great motivator… an inspiration to young and old. She said, “I can sit and let the world come to me, or I can go find it.” Preceded in death by husband Vernon L. Tharp DVM, parents James and Sarah Drumheller and 4 brothers, Clarence, Dwight, Marion, and Ralph “Nip”. Survived by children Mary Jane Hollis, Sara (John) Textoris, Vic Tharp, Katie (Willie) Grové, Tom (Judy) Tharp and Lolly (Pete) Gray,
14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Family will receive friends 4-8 pm Friday at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026. Funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH. Interment Dublin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.