Carla Denise (Tharp) South

Carla Denise (Tharp) South, age 67, of Porter County, Indiana, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and her loyal dog, Daisy Mae, who rarely left her side.

She was born on January 26, 1958, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Charles Max Olen Tharp and June Ferris Tharp (née Cantwell), both of whom she dearly missed and spoke of often. We know she now rejoices in being reunited with them in Heaven.

Carla was a light in every room—quirky, goofy, and delightfully herself. She had the heart of a hippie, a giggly laugh in any situation, and a warmth that made people instantly feel at ease. Her joy was genuine, and she had a way of bringing color and fun into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Carla loved the Lord with all her heart. Her faith was the steady center of her life, and even as she fought a long and difficult battle with cancer, her trust in God never wavered. Though her heart was not ready to leave her family, she held fiercely to her belief that “God is her ROCK, and with HIM she would keep fighting this cancer.”

She found strength in Psalm 18:2:

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.”

Her greatest pride and deepest love was her family. She is survived by her daughter Jamie Jones and son-in-law Brian. She was the proud grandmother of Brian (Anna), Lauren (Alex), Caden (Kaylee), Lillian, Caylee, Tessa, and Dominic.

Her heart only grew with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Haven and Scarlett, who brought her endless joy.

Carla was also deeply loved by her siblings Joyce Jean Huston (Ron), Royce Dean Tharp (Melita), and her sister-in-law Sandra Sanchez; as well as her nieces and nephews—Sherri, Kevin, Michael, Royce Jr., and Eric—and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews.

Carla cherished her family more than anything in this world. She adored spending her time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also treasured her many cousins and the bonds they shared—family reunion years and time spent “down home” with them were some of her very favorite memories.

Those who knew Carla will remember her for so many things—her love of Elvis, her unwavering loyalty to the Chicago Bears, and the way she followed us all around like the paparazzi with her camera, determined to capture every awkward moment and every funny memory. They will remember her unending giggles, her resilience, and the way she embraced life with an open heart—and her goofy holiday attire that never failed to make everyone smile.

In honor of Carla’s wishes, no traditional funeral service will be held. She wanted to forever rest in the locations that brought her laughter, innocence, joy, peace, and treasured memories, and she will be carried there by the family who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

May her giggle echo in all of our memories.

She will be profoundly missed,

and she will be forever loved.

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