Imogene Mae Thornburg was born on Sept 12, 1929, at a rural farm east of Osborne. She was the second oldest of six children born to her parents, Francis & 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 Sept 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 & Braden Schulte. Two great grandchildren & two step great grandchildren complete their family.
Imogene went to be with Jesus on August 19th. 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 & school events, served as treasure 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 Krispy treats.
Imogene was a member of the Pleasant Plains United Methodist Church, UMW, Alton Pride, a 4-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 was preceded in death by her husband in 2016; her parents; sisters Ila Joy in infancy and Iris Hahn; brothers Farrel Foster and Raymond Foster, brothers-in-law Jay Hudson, Clifford Hahn, Ted (Marvelene) Thornburg, Leroy Thornburg, and Stan Swander; sister-in law, Elaine Thornburg.
Imogene is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister Sandy Hudson of Osborne, sisters-in-law Karen Foster of Bloomington, Merna Foster of Osborne, Shirley Swander of Salina, Helen Thornburg of Hutchinson, Donna (Dan) Crofford of Oklahoma, and brother-in-law Dick (Dee) Thornburg also of Oklahoma, in addition to many nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
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