09/25/2018

Obituary for Mary Tharp Bope

Mother of John C. Bope, Funeral Director and Owner of Bope-Thomas Funeral Home

Mary Elizabeth Tharp Bope, 99, of Somerset, Ohio, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018 at her residence.

Mary was born December 1, 1918 on the family farm in Hemlock, Ohio to the late Harry Orin Tharp and Alice Nixon Hodgson Tharp. Mary graduated from Central High School, Hemlock, Ohio in 1936 where she was senior class president. She attended Capital University, Bexley, Ohio obtaining her two-year teaching certificate in 1938 and her Bachelor of Arts, honoris causa in 2013. She taught 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade at Central in Hemlock from 1936-1942. As a youth, she was a member of the Church of Christ in Hemlock. After moving to Somerset in 1951, she was a member of Somerset United Methodist Church for more than 67 years. She taught Sunday School Classes for many years and was a long-time member of the United Methodist Women and Martha Circle. Mary made creative and generous contributions to church, community and school over her lifetime. She was a member of Safford C.C.L. for over 50 years, Perry County Retired Teachers Association, a district representative for Southeastern Ohio TB Board, an active PTA member at Somerset and Sheridan for many years, and Friends of the Somerset Public Library. Mary did many good deeds for those in need in her church and community. She was a devoted wife and mother, a wonderful cook, and an interesting and creative contributor to family and community. Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends and the community.

She is survived by her children, Alice Bope (Charles) Parsons of Pataskala, Dr. Edward Tharp Bope of Columbus, Ruth Bope Dangel of Upper Arlington, and John C. and Jane (Mack) Bope of Somerset; grandchildren, Theodore (Margaret) Parsons of Strongsville, Andrew (Gretchen) Parsons of Middleville, MI, Julie Bope Cains of Somerset, Jordan (Kyla) Bope of Alexandria, and Elizabeth Dangel (Ben) Gift of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren, Emma and Ainsley Parsons, Charles and Joseph Parsons, Owen and Mia Cains, and Decker Bope; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles E. Bope; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Vernon Lance (Grace) Tharp and Dr. Victor V. (Marilyn) Tharp; and a sister and brother-in-law, Joan “Jody” Tharp (Lloyd) Hendry.

Friends called from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 at the Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset and one hour prior to the service at the church. Services held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 at the Somerset United Methodist Church, 139 E. Main St., Somerset, Ohio with the Rev. Karen Walters officiating. Burial will follow in New Lexington Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Somerset United Methodist Church. www.bopethomasfuneralhome.com