Obituaries March 26, 2006

Charly “Chuck” Lee Tharp

Services: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Steed-Todd Chapel.

Charly “Chuck” Lee Tharp, 65, of Clovis died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Plains Regional Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 3, 1941, in Ysleta, Texas, to James W. and Willie Blanch Tharp.

He was a founding member and the original vocalist of the Fireballs, an internationally known band. He penned numerous rock ‘n’ roll hits, including “Long, Long Ponytail” and “Sweet Country Woman.” He and George Tomsco began a rich history of musical collaboration in high school, where they were dubbed the Fireballs for their flawless rendition of “Great Balls of Fire” in 1958 during a high school talent show.

He served in the Navy and the Army and completed four tours in Vietnam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.

He is survived by his wife, Belinda “Jo An” Tharp of Clovis; three daughters, Jamie Weren (and partner, Tamara) of Tucson, Ariz., Shellie Marrero (and husband, Jason) of Alpharetta, Ga., and Christie Bower (Robert) of Phoenix; two stepdaughters, Rachel Springer (David) of Rincon, Ga., and Gina Massengill of Clovis; a stepson, Sean Massengill of Albuquerque; and a brother, Marty Tharp (Sharon) of Atlanta.

A memorial fund has been established at the High Plains Credit Union at P.O. Box 2050, Clovis, NM 88101.

Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home.

Pearl Ulibarri

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Helen Catholic Church, Portales.

Pearl Ulibarri, 80, of Portales died Friday, March 24, 2006, at Plains Regional Medical Center.

Born Jan. 17, 1926, in Borica to Lucia and Bernardo Gallegos, she grew up in Fort Sumner where she attended school. She married Cristobal Ulibarri in May 1945. They lived and worked in various areas of New Mexico before settling in Portales in the 1960s.

She had been active in St. Helen Catholic Church in Portales for many years.

Her hobbies included planting flowers and embroidery.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, family members said.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, in 1990; a sister, Dora Chavez, and four brothers, Serafin, Frank, Gilbert and Julio Gallegos.

She is survived by two sons, Vincent and Ray Ulibarri, both of Clovis; five daughters, Antonia Wills of Portales, Rosie Lucero (and husband, Andy), Patsy Baca (Henry) of Portales, Maria Stewart of Detroit, and Dianna Martin (Ron) of Hardeville, S.C.; a brother, Benny Gallegos (Rosarito) of Clovis; 25 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

Father James McGowan will officiate services.

Burial is at Portales Cemetery.

A rosary will be said 7 p.m. Monday at St. Helen Catholic Church.

Pallbearers will be Joe, Chris, Andy Jr. and Jose Lucero and David and Abel Montano.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.