Leola Tharp-Nichols

Leola Leek Tharp Nichols passed January 2, 2024, after a short illness at the age of 98 years old at Lebonon Nursing Home in Lebonon, Missouri. 

She was the daughter of Fred Erwin Leek and Ionia Calvert (Searight). Born Aug 11, 1925, in Independence, Kansas. Her family ran the “Lunch Wagon” “Leek’s Lunchroom” was known for their great Chili and Tamales located on East Main Street.

She attended Lincoln School in Bartlesville, Ok 1931-32, then returned to Independence, KS.  Completed her education and attended Independence Business College. 

Leola worked for Sinclair Oil Company for 3 years before moving to Bartlesville in 1946 to work for Phillips Petroleum Co until she retired.

She Married, Francis E Tharp 1947, bought a brand-new house (336 N Seminole) 1950. To this marriage were (three) children:  Carolyn S (Tharp) Joy (James) Alex, OK; Janice K (Tharp) Cox (Delbert dec’d) Bartlesville, OK; Donald E Tharp. 

Total of eight grandkids: Lance E Joy, Taunya R (Joy) Wood; Danner Cox, Jared Cox, Justin Cox; Lisa K (Tharp) Myers, Teresa D (Tharp)Burlison, Christopher E Tharp

19 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Granddaughter

In 1974 she married William Robert Nichols and were married upon his passing in 2004.

In her spare time, you could find Leola Fishing, sewing, playing the piano. One of her great accomplishments later in life was making over 10,000 beaded rosaries for the Hartville, Mo missionary.

Leola is preceded in death by her parents Fred E Leek and Ionia Calvert (Searight), three siblings, Alfred Raymond Leek, Loren Leek, Lorena ‘Rena (Leek) Brown. Both husbands Francis E Tharp & William R Nichols and a Son-in-law Delbert Cox.

Graveside services to honor Leola’s life will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2023, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Kansas. Services are under the direction of Webb and Rodrick Chapel and Cremetory.