Mary Helen (Tharp) Case

Our precious mother, Mary Helen (Tharp) Case, left this earthly home on July 20, 2021 for her heavenly one; she was 82 years old.

Mary was born on March 22, 1939 to Floyd and Laura (Price) Tharp of Pike County. Mary was the third of seven children and grew up in the Oatsville, IN area with her siblings; Joann, Donel, Amelia, Dean, Patty and Ruthie. She graduated from Mt. Olympus High School in 1957. And in 1959, she married Raymond E. Case from Mt. Carmel, IL. Mary and Raymond lived in Princeton and raised their three children; Kim, Kelly and Kent.

Mary was a loving and caring person who did all that she could to help others along the way. Mary treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Gran and GiGi.

Mary worked at Mid-States Rubber for 1 year, then Potter & Brumfield for 14 years. She worked at Gibson General Hospital as a nurse’s aide for 4 years. Finally, sometime in the 1970’s Mary started babysitting in her home up until her husband’s health declined in 2003. Mary was a second mother and grandparent to many kids. Not only did Mary help raise a lot of children, she helped a lot of parents who were in need of someone to love and care for their kids. Mary’s dedication and wisdom to the kids and their parents will not be forgotten. Mary touched so many lives in a positive way and she will be sorely missed.

Until her health made it impossible, Mary was an active member of Patoka United Methodist Church, volunteering her time by serving at various meals and helping with apple butter. She also helped in the background with the Mt. Olympus Alumni along with her sisters. She enjoyed the singings and live Christmas Nativity at Gentle Shepherd Church in Oatsville, IN. For 34 years she enjoyed overseeing the annual Tharp-Zimmerman-Falls family reunions at Lafayette Park with her sisters.

Mary never wanted to be the center of attention or receive praise, but was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who might need it. She always told you the truth even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She did much for many expecting nothing in return.

Mary is survived by her daughter Kelly Case of Princeton, and granddaughter Makenzie (Jonathon) Mitchell of Princeton; and the pride and joy of her life, her great-granddaughters, Anne Victoria and Margaret Elizabeth Mitchell; son, Kent (Kim) Case of Richmond, VA; her brother, James Donel (Peggy) Tharp of Alta Vista, VA; sister-in-law and wonderful friend, Judy (Wolfe) Tharp of St. Elmo, IL; brother-in-law, Ed Craig of Princeton; sister-in-law, Ruth Dick of Princeton; and several nieces and nephews.

Welcoming Mary into heaven are her parents, Floyd and Laura; her daughter, Kimberly Ann Case who passed in 1987; her husband of 45 years, Raymond E. Case who passed in 2004; sister, Joann (John) Dunning; brother, Dean Tharp; sisters, Ruth (Jess) Hall, Amelia (Bob) Adams, and Patty Craig; and many friends that were part of her family throughout the years.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Jeff Bralley officiating. Burial will follow at Columbia White Church Cemetery in Princeton. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the funeral home and again from 10 a.m. until the hour of service on Friday. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Colvin Funeral Homes Facebook page at 11 a.m. on Friday at www.facebook.com/ColvinFuneralHomes.

The family extends a special thank you to Deaconess Hospice, Dr. William Wells, Judy Tharp and Ruth Bruce.

In Mary’s memory, donations may be made to Gentle Shepherd Church, 8350 E 350 N, Francisco, IN 47649. Envelopes will also be available at Colvin's.

You may leave a message sympathy or light a candle in memory of Mary at www.colvinfuneralhome.com. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Case family.

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