Joan M. Tharp, 83, of Marshall, IL passed away 6:30 AM Friday, June 13, 2025 in the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care at Terre Haute, IN. For several years Joan owned and operated a child care service and provided this service to hundreds of children. During this time long-lasting and strong relationships were established with the children and their families. In addition to providing child care, she was well known for providing birthday and wedding cakes in the community. She was born July 10, 1941 at Uniontown, PA, a daughter of Charles and Martha Roth. She married William T. Tharp and he preceded her in death on Sept. 3, 1986. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother and a sister. Surviving are three children, William T. (Lauri) Tharp of Terre Haute, IN, Charles A. (Danielle) Tharp of Shelburn, IN and Anita (Paul Cork) Sharpe of Marshall, IL; grandchildren, William, Whitney, Trish (Dylan), Naftaly, Kelli (Todd), Cole (Linzee), Kassidy (Adam), Brooke (Brad), Lexie (Drew), Carter, Duane, and Aubrey (Chase); several great grandchildren; a brother, Larry Roth of San Antonio, TX and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be 4-7 PM CST Wed., June 18th at Pearce Funeral Home with a service in honor of her life at 7:00 PM. For those desiring, family and friends are invited to the funeral home at 9:00 AM Thursday for procession to the Darwin Cemetery, rural West Union , IL, for a 10:00 AM graveside service. Pastor Dick Smith will officiate. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Diner’s Club of Harlan Hall. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.