Mrs. Deloris Ruth Tharp, 89, of Rochester, passed away at 6:03 AM, Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at Hickory Creek at Rochester. She was born in Logansport, on February 14, 1923, to Eddie William & Rena M. Long Bassler. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters Cleo and Babe. The Great Depression was a prominent memory. Dee and her family were there to help many other friends and neighbors through the rough times. Their farm was self-sustaining and many times they gave up their food stamps or shared meat from the cattle, or the harvest from their gardens with others who were needy. In 1942, Dee graduated with her class at Fulton High School. On November 15, 1942, Dee married Robert "Bob Tharp in Fulton and they eloped. Together they shared 67 years of life's adventures. Their home was on the farm where they owned a fine herd of cattle and hogs and planted and harvested corn, hay and beans. With a strong work ethic instilled early in life Dee was responsible and depended on by her employers over the years. As a young lady Dee worked as a mid-wife then later was on the cafeteria staff of Woodrow School. She worked at Rochester's A & P Grocery Store located on the 600 block of Main Street. She was one of the friendly and helpful cashiers at the Burger Dairy Store, that later became Collin's Country Charm. Dee served as head cook at the Fulton County Jail for many years. Accomplished in the equestrian world as a young lady, Dee trained Belgian work horses. These stealth horses helped with plowing the fields readying them for planting. She loved all horses but "Bum," a Tennessee Walker Stallion, an ex-circus horse was her favorite saddle horse. Dee also had a special place in her heart for Glory, her barrel racing horse. To relax Dee maintained a vast perennial gardens that embraced her home. Each year she introduced new varieties that would enhance the landscape. An avid reader, Dee enjoyed all types of books, and magazines, but especially loved trying out new recipes on her family. As the matriarch, Mamaw Dee oversaw five generations. Paramount in her life were her grandchildren and the greats. She cherished their visits and the time they spent together. Dee will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters: Cathy Lowe of Rochester, and Peggy Sue Smith & husband Clem of Osceola; 4 grandchildren: Buddy Lowe & wife Angie of Gilead, Dani Lowe of Indianapolis, Clint Howard of Osceola, Ty Howard & wife Jennifer of Macy; and numerous great grandchildren, a great great granddaughter, Ava and a sister Cleo Hartman of Ligonier. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister Babe Bassler Chaplain Jason See will officiate services.