Vivian Tharp

Vivian Rose Tharp, age 104 years of Niles, Michigan died on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 28, 1912 in Van Buren County, Michigan to Thomas and Carrie (Benwire) Sherburn.

Vivian was a cook for Brandywine Public Schools for over 15 years, retiring in 1974. She was a former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Niles and member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed playing Yahtzee and cards, her butterfly collection, putting together jigsaw puzzles, crocheting projects for her family, watching NASCAR & her Cubbies baseball. She really enjoyed spending her birthday money on trips to the casino and her time with family and friends.

On May 9,1936, Vivian married Stanton Miller Tharp, with whom she celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary before his death on November 7, 1992. Vivian was also preceded in death by a son, Roger Tharp; two sisters, Viola Brewer and Veva Rodgers and 5 brothers, William, Lloyd, Pete, Max and Carrol Sherburn.

Surviving family includes daughters Selva (& Earl) Garson of Mishawaka, Indiana and Lois (& Richard) Sherman of Niles; one son, Robert (& Gee Gee) Tharp of North Manchester, Indiana; 13 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is daughter-in-law Sandra Tharp of Niles, special friend Doris Brewer; dear family friend Judy Vinnedge, caretaker and long-lost granddaughter Belinda Wooden and former daughter-in-law Jeanie Gescheidle.

The funeral service for Vivian Rose Tharp will be held at 1:00p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at the Halbritter Funeral Home the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5-8:00p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Vivian may be made to Hospice at Home.