Nancy Ruth Tharp

Nancy’s life revolved around her artistic and creative talents, which she first developed at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center while attending Iola, KS schools. She continued her studies at the University of Kansas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Major in Advertising Design.

Nancy’s career spanned four decades in the advertising and marketing fields. After working for several major agencies in the Dallas area, she arrived at The Promotion Network (TPN) in 1991 where she became the heart and soul of the TPN creative department. From the beginning, she had her hands on major creative projects, including those for Gatorade, Nabisco, and Hershey. Nancy guided and helped grow the agency from a small team of 20 to one that now employs over 300 people. Her leadership and pioneering spirit guided the team to look at problems in new and different ways, finding unique solutions to marketing challenges.

Nancy’s leisure activities included golfing, gourmet cooking, and traveling. She donated her time and energy to causes close to her heart – The North Texas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, North Dallas Weimaraner Rescue, and the SPCA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Romaine Tharp. She is survived by three sisters: Debbie Wagner and husband Phil, Tammi Tharp, Jan Drimmel and husband John. Also surviving are a niece, Shannon, a nephew, CJ Tharp and wife Lindsey, and their four children: Gabrielle, Alexandra, Ryan, and Olivia. Nancy will live forever in the hearts of her family and many friends.

After a private memorial service in Dallas celebrating Nancy’s life, her ashes will be interred with those of her beloved Weimaraner, “Frankie,” at Highland Cemetery in Iola, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Nancy’s name to the Friends of the Bowlus Fine Arts Center at http://www.bowluscenter.org/friends/general-donation-form.html or to one of her other favorite charities.