Thurber services

Mrs. Thurber died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community.

She was born Nov. 21, 1916, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Noah and Alma Deay Shuler.

Mrs. Thurber was a longtime active member of Clinton Presbyterian Church and Clinton Presbyterian Women’s Organization, which she served in many capacities. On Nov. 12, 2000, she was presented with a lifetime membership in Presbyterian Women’s Organization in recognition of her many years of service, and the day was declared Sylvia Thurber Day at the church. She also was a longtime active member of Twin Mound Grange and AARP.

Mrs. Thurber taught school in rural Douglas County. In 1965 she began working for Bell’s Music Co. in Lawrence. She worked at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, first as a switchboard operator and then in the admissions office. After she retired, she volunteered at the hospital for many years and was recognized as volunteer of the year.

She married Stuart Whitford Thurber on May 23, 1937, in Effingham. He died in 1964.

A daughter, Sharlet Ellen Thurber, also died earlier.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Thurber, Yakima, Wash.; a son, Stan Thurber, Houston; a brother, Frederick Shuler, Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Stuart Martin, Omaha, Neb., and Peg Smith and Julia Downs, both of Overbrook; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from noon to 9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today.

The family suggests memorials to Clinton Presbyterian Church, sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.