Imogene Mae Thornburg

Longtime rural Alton resident, Imogene Mae Thornburg, age 92, passed away August 19, 2022, at Parkview Manor in Osborne.

She was born on September 12, 1929 at a rural farm east of Osborne. She was the second oldest of six children born to her parents, Francis and Matilda (Hageman) Foster. She graduated from Baker County School District 12 in 1943 and from Osborne High School in 1947. She married her high school sweetheart, Franklin Eugene “Gene” Thornburg on September 12, 1948—her 19th birthday. They resided in Osborne until November 1959 when they moved to a farm southwest of Alton where they raised three children, Jeannie Renee (Steve) Ricard, Todd Eugene (Jill) Thornburg, and Janet Rae (Bernie) Schulte. Seven grandchildren added an abundance of joy to their lives: Jordan (Kari) Ricard, Samantha (Nathan) Ricard, Ashley Thornburg, Erin (Deavon) Thornburg, Janae (Nate) Flesher, Bransen and Braden Schulte. Two great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren complete their family.

She resided on the family farm as long as she could before moving to Progressive Care in Alton and later to Parkview in Osborne. She missed the farm and the Alton community and longed to be there. She was known for her love of family and community. She was an avid supporter at athletic and school events, served as treasurer on many clubs and organizations, sent hundreds of greeting cards, and was always ready to mix up a batch of her famous chocolate chip cookies and Rice Krispie treats.

Imogene was a member of the Pleasant Plains United Methodist Church, UMW, Alton Pride, a four-year instructor for a Menninger Bible course on the Life of Christ, Mt. Ayr Camp Meeting Board, Sumner 4-H Club Leader, Osborne County FSA committee advisor, and Eastern Star, serving as the past matron.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister Sandy Hudson of Osborne, sisters-in-law Karen Foster of Bloomington, Merna Foster of Osborne, Shirley Swander of Salina, Helen Thornburg of Hutchinson, and Donna (Dan) Crofford of Oklahoma; and brother-in-law Dick (Dena) Thornburg of Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 2016; her parents; sisters Ila Joy and Iris Hahn; brothers Farrel Foster and Raymond Foster; brothers-in-law Jay Hudson, Clifford Hahn, Ted (Marvelene) Thornburg, Leroy Thornburg, and Stan Swander; and sister-in law, Elaine Thornburg.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., at the Osborne United Methodist Church in Osborne. Burial was in Osborne Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Alton Pride and Pleasant Plains United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Clark-Gashaw Mortuary, 238 N. First Street, Osborne, KS 67473.