Tharon Faye Paup, resident of Owasso, passed from this life on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at the age of 71 years. Tharon was born August 9, 1943 in Yates Center, Kansas, to W.E. “Bruz” and Hester (Stroh) Allison. She graduated with the Yates Center High School Class of 1961 and later attended business school. On November 10, 1962, she and Gary Paup were united in marriage in Yates Center. They lived in Garnett, Kansas, before moving to Salina, Wakefield and Kansas City, Kansas. She and Gary also lived in Denton, Texas for 10 years before moving to Oklahoma. Since 1987, Owasso has been home. Tharon worked as a production planner in the manufacturing sector until her retirement in October of 2001. For several years, she and Gary trained Labrador retrievers for Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma. For 12 years, she was a volunteer at the Tulsa Zoo, where she gave educational presentations to elementary students and became quite an expert on birds of prey. Always community-minded, Tharon helped in both Moore, Oklahoma, and Joplin, Missouri, following the devastating tornadoes. She also found time for reading and working in her flower garden. A devout Christian, Tharon was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Owasso.
Those who survive and hold many cherished memories are her husband, Gary; daughters: Shelli Gill and Melissa Guinn; five grandchildren: Gary McCollum, Leslie McCollum, Allison Gill, Conner Guinn, and Emma Guinn; as well as five great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Owasso. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in the chapel of Mowery Funeral Service with Pastor Taud Boatman officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
