Our History
Built on a foundation of trusted service since 1997 when Leroy Winfield built the funeral home, Tharp continued that tradition in April of 2011 with Richard and Monica Tharp as owners.
There are a few times in life when you want to be surrounded by family. When you experience a loss, call on a local, family-owned funeral home to give you the comfort and guidance you need. That family connection should be important to you because we care for you and your loved one from our first contact. One of our owners/directors will stay with you throughout the planning process and selected service. We don't believe in checklist services - we specialize in planning funerals and memorial services that reflect the personality, interests and passions of your loved one. Our staff takes pride in offering families many ways to create a personalized and memorable Celebration of Life. Personalization provides a special way to remember our loved ones and allows those present the ability to participate in the ceremony. In addition, we will work as your liaison with insurance companies, social security agencies and military entities to obtain the vital information you need immediately. Tharp is a full service funeral home offering at-need, pre-need and aftercare services, as well as, a full selection of cremation options with an onsite crematory.
Because the owners of Tharp live and work in your community, we value not only your business, but also your trust.
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Richard & Monica Tharp Owners
Richard and Monica were both born and raised in Albia and have resided in the community their whole lives. They graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1997. Following high school, Richard obtained his Associate of Arts degree from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa and later attended Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny where he obtained his Mortuary Science degree. Richard completed his intership and was employed by Leroy Winfield at the Winfield Funeral Home in Albia until he and his wife, Monica, purchased the funeral home on April 26, 2011. Richard and Monica attend church at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia.
Monica obtained her Associate of Arts degree from Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa before transferring to William Penn University in Oskaloosa and obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology. She worked full time in the social work field for approximately 16 years prior to beginning work full time at the funeral home on January 1, 2018. -
Matthew Sytsma Funeral Director
Matthew Sytsma was born and raised in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He attended the Oskaloosa High School and graduated with the Class of 2004. He attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa and received his Associate of Arts Degree. After graduating from Indian Hills, Matt attended Des Moines Area Community College and graduated in 2011 with a degree in Mortuary Science. After completing his internship at the Ankeny Funeral Home, he returned to Oskaloosa and worked at the Bates Funeral Chapel. In July, 2014 he joined the staff at the Tharp Family Funeral Home.
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Denny Amoss Funeral Director Assistant
Denny Amoss was born and raised in Albia. He graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1967. He then attended Iowa State University for 2 years and then transferred to William Penn College where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts in 1973. He married Karen Walsh in 1971. They have 2 children, Troy (Lori) Amoss and Lynnette (Josh) Major and 7 grandchildren, Brock, Austin, Shay, Allison, Avery, Trell, and Aubrey. Denny worked at Huber’s Saddle Shop in Albia. He then worked at the Iowa D.O.T. for 20 years before working for Monroe County for 6 years retiring as the Secondary Roads Foreman in 2012. Denny and his family are members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He is a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He served on the Albia Community School District Board of Directors for 10 years. He serves on the Monroe County 4-H Fair Board. Denny and his wife are very involved and are active supporters of all community activities in Albia. Denny is currently serving his 2nd term on the Monroe County Board of Supervisors. Denny also serves on numerous boards through his position on the Board of Supervisors. Denny joined the Tharp Family Funeral Home team in 2012.
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Chris Anderson Funeral Director Assistant
Chris Anderson was born to Roy and Jean (Geneva) Anderson at St. Joseph’s Hospital/Ottumwa. He grew up in Albia and graduated from Albia High School with the Class of 1970. Upon graduation, he enlisted and served his country in the United States Air Force from 1970-1974. In 1973, he married Sandra Hayworth in Albia. They have 2 daughters, Heather Anderson of Albia and Ashlee (Bryon) Stilley of Albia. They have been blessed with 3 grandchildren, Ava, Beckett, and Georgia and 2 step-grandchildren, Taylor and Tiana Stilley. Chris retired January 3, 2008 from the United States Postal Service. He started his postal career with the Albia Post Office and remained at that location for 18 years. He transferred to serve as Postmaster at Moulton and then to the Moravia Post Office, where he retired. Chris and his family are active members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia. He currently is serving on the parish finance board. He is a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Chris is a retired member of the Albia Fire Department, after serving his community for 28 years. Chris was appointed to the Albia City Planning and Zoning Commission and retired after serving more than 30 years. His hobbies include golfing, love of television like his dad and forever a love of vehicles. This auto passion serves him well as he works intermittently for Albia Motor. Chris joined the team of Tharp Funeral Home in January, 2012.
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Hunter Weldon Funeral Director Assistant & Mortuary Science Student
Hunter Weldon was born and raised in Albia, Iowa. Hunter attended and graduated from Albia High School with the class of 2016. Following high school, he attended Des Moines Area Community College, in Ankeny, and received his Associate’s Degree. Hunter is now attending the Mortuary Science program at the Des Moines Area Community College. He began working part time at the Tharp Funeral Home in the summer of 2015.
