Wilma “Fern” Thornburg

February 24, 1927 - November 30, 2012

Wilma Fern Thornburg was born in Lavaca, Arkansas, on February 24, 1927, to Walter and Flora Wells. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Nobel (Lois) and sisters, Opal (Floyd) Rogers and Eula Wells, as well as, son-in-law, Larry Salzman and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Oliver. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Joe (Pete), and daughters, Donna (John) Van Iwaarden of Holand, Michigan, Gayle (Dale) Wagoner of Terrell, Texas, Dayle Salzman, and Jodi (Mike) Sala, nine grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Fern was born into a Christian family and she and Joe continued the tradition, raising their family with a strong faith and a lot of fun. Always active in church, they were one of seven families that helped Rev. Jack Ellsworth start Eastland Assembly of God Church in 1967. Fern and Joe had a lot of friends who enjoyed their Halloween parties, evenings of Rook or Sorry around the table, and Saturday’s at the lake for skiing and fishing. They always returned home on Saturday night, a little sunburned and a little tired, but never missed church on Sunday morning. Fern was an excellent cook and the family has always enjoyed gathering around the kitchen for biscuits and gravy, french toast with homemade syrup, turkey and dressing, chocolate cake and her many other specialties. She passed along her love of flowers and her fondness for a beautiful home to her daughters. Fern enjoyed arts and crafts, creating beautiful centerpieces, needlework, and even a few small paintings. But mostly she enjoyed her family and leaves behind cherished memories of her love, laughter, and wisdom. In the last year of her life, she told her daughters that she’s had a wonderful life and she wouldn’t have changed a thing.