Deborah “Debbie” Jean Tharpe, 70, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving sisters. Born on February 17, 1955, she was the cherished daughter of Gene Harrison Stonebreaker and Bonnie Gail Hamman Stonebreaker.
Debbie shared 32 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Hollis Tharpe. Together, they co-owned Tharpe Novelties, and she found great joy riding alongside Hollis in their beloved ice cream truck, bringing smiles to countless faces throughout the community.
Family was the heart of Debbie’s world. She was a proud and nurturing mother to Tonia Salvato (Jani), Amy Lang, Terri Tanner (Kevin), and Shannon Grandison (Maynard).
Her greatest passion was being “Mammaw” to her grandchildren: Dru Lang, Chloe Salvato, Gage Robbins, Jamie Showers, Prayaira Grandison, Eric Tanner, Ernest Glascock, Jessica Walls, Joshua Tanner, and Victoria Best. She also adored her great-grandchildren: Leland Tanner, Evelyn Tanner, Beckett Tanner, James Whetzel, Ian Best, Asher Best, and Isabella Benavente. Her faithful fur baby “Gizmo” was always by her side.
Debbie is survived by her sisters Donna Santmyers (Ralph) and Sandra Long (Bill), along with many nieces and nephews who will carry her memory forward with love. She was preceded in death by her father Gene Harrison Stonebreaker, brother Gene H. Stonebreaker Jr., and sister Rhonda S. Stonebreaker.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main Street, Front Royal, with Pastor Bill Orndoff officiating. Burial will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
Pallbearers will be family members: Kevin Tanner, Josh Tanner, Maynard Grandison, Gregory Sisk, Michael Jenkins, and Noah Sisk.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, VA, or St. Luke Community Clinic, 316 N. Royal Avenue, Front Royal, VA 22630.
Debbie’s warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Prayers to Hollis, and family & friends. Debbie was the sweetest and wonderful person she will forever be missed!!.🙏🫶
Sorry to hear about your loss. Debbie was such a wonderful person to all. RIP Debbie 🙏
Dorothy “Peanut “ Lewis
Oh the memories that came flooding back, too many to count.
I’d like to send my condolences to the entire family.
Hollis & Family
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. 🙏❤️🙏
Hollis & Family,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Deepest Sympathy. 🙏🙏
Hollis & Family,
We are thinking of you during this difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy. 🙏🙏
so sorry to hear Hollis I will keep you safe n my prayers.. may she shine bright with all the angels in heaven and may she rest in peace..our thought are with you and your family my friend !
Jeannie and Paul
The Town of Middletown extends our heartfelt sympathy to former Front Royal Mayor Hollis Tharpe on the loss of his beloved wife, Deborah “Debbie” Jean Tharpe. Debbie’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit touched many in her community—whether through her years alongside Hollis or bringing happiness to families with their ice cream truck. They brought a lot of smiles to kids in Middletown during the pandemic.
We hold Hollis and the Tharpe family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and honor the memory of a life so well lived.