Helen J. Thornburgh, 85, went home to be with the Lord on Friday at Heritage Pointe, Warren. She was born in Hartford City the daughter of the late Charles and Golda (McDermitt) Patterson. She attended Hartford City High School spending her early years in Traverse City, MI. She married Alfred "Barney" Thornburgh on May 30, 1939 in Hartford City. They spent many wonderful years together in the home they made at Barney's Motorcycle Playground in Upland. Helen took great joy in gardening, bird watching, sunrises, sunsets, and baking. She also enjoyed preparing home cooked meals for her large family and the many motorcycle riders who passed through the farm. She attended Pleasant Grove U.M.C. Survivors include, her husband of 68 years, Alfred "Barney"; a sister, Joann Parker; three sons, Butch (Eve), Doc (Kathy), and Rich (Jara); four daughters, Patsy (John) Logan, Bonnie (Bill) Crain, Debbie (Dave) Wilson, Terri (Barry) Moorman; 26 grandchildren, Tonya Bragg, Tammy Jones, John and Kelly Thornburgh, Melissa Jent, Jessica Myrick, Don Thornburgh, Monica Landes, Robb Logan, Angie Ellison, Michael, Brian, Robert, and Jennifer Crain, Eric Caward, Alex, Justin, Blake, Jordan, and Colby Wilson, Brent, Benjamin Moorman, Bree Jaie White, Brandy Horn, Brittany and Brook Thornburgh; 27 great grandchildren; and one great great granddaughter. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 9135 N. Meridian #B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46209-7109. Service: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Jones-Smith Funeral Home Officiating: Rev. Jim Miller Interment: Jefferson Cemetery Visitation: Monday 2-4, 6-8 p.m. and hour prior to the service
Tributes
Kathy Bryant - August 14, 2008.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Patsy I am sorry for your loss,I know words can't explain I lost my mom in 1998. You may not remember me but I went to school with you and John at the matthews old elementary and up through high school. I met your mom and dad once when we were children. My deepst sympathy and thoughts are with you. Kathy Bryant"
Kathryn and Richard May - May.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Debbie, We are so sorry that we just learned of your Mother's death and didn't contact you sooner. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. A Mother's passing leaves a tremendous emptiness in your heart. Kathy (Drischel) May"
Laura Bartlett - April 15, 200.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Patsy, I was so sorry to here about the loss of your mother. I know it is a very difficult time for you and the rest of the family and that there are no words to truly ease the pain you are feeling. Just know that all of your friends are with you in spirit today and in the months to come. Laura"
Bill Parks - April 15, 2008 at.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"I am very sorry to hear of Helens passing. She was a wonderful person, always kind to me and my sisters. Thanks to her and the Thornburg family for many of my better childhood memories."
David L & Tamara S. Phillips -.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Our deepest condolence on your loss. Dave has many fond memories of both Helen and Barny Phillips from his youth and moto-cross days."
Chris Kennedy - April 14, 2008.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Terri, Barry, & Family: My prayers are with you during this sad time. May God hold you in his arms and give you strength. Love and Prayers, Chris"
angie galvan - April 14, 2008 .. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"i just wanted to tell you all that i am praying for you i know how much you all loved your mother.It was so nice to see all of in here visiting w/her you could just see how much you guys cared.You don't see it too often.I also wanted to say i enjoyed the time i got to spend with her also.There is no doubt in my mind how wonderful of a mother she was to all of you.I'm sorry i didn't get to attend the funeral but my prayers are with you and i hope there was alot of pink flowers. sincerely ANGIE GALVAN(cna)heritage pointe"
Jim Moore - April 14, 2008 at .. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"To: Doc, We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim & Rhonda Moore"
Robert & Lucy Rheam - April 14.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Our family is saddened by Helen's obit but, she is in a much better place. Robert misses going over to the playground to see Barney & Helen. I always looked forward to her homemade bread at Christmas time. Helen was a jewel. May god bless the Thornburg family. Love Robert and Lucy Rheam & family"
Debbie (White) Strickland - Ap.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Terri, So sorry to hear about your Mother. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
Jack Thornburgh II - April 13,.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"My sister Kathy just informed me of Helen's passing. My family's prayers are with you in your grieving.I remember the many family occasions that Helen hosted in her home. Unfortunatly I will not be abe to get off work to attend the funeral but I will be thinking of you all."
Frank and Betty Brackin - Apri.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"Eve, Butch, Patsy,John and Familiy, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and sorry that we are not there to share time with you. We have heard you in church share experiences with your mother, what an honor to of been able to do that. Memories are a wonderful thing that we carry for life. God Bless Frank and Betty"
Jennifer Crain - April 13, 200.. wrote on Jan 11, 2030:
"You're the best grandma in the whole wide world!"