Helen Virginia Thornburg, 85, of Hutchinson, passed away January 4, 2026, at Pleasant Hills. She was born March 9, 1940, in Forsyth County, Georgia, to H.B. and Vera A. (Lowry) Brown.
On April 26, 1958, Helen married LeRoy C. Thornburg, in Atlanta, GA. They met while he was serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning. She was his “Georgia peach.” After LeRoy was discharged, they returned to his home state of Kansas and they shared 61 years of marriage before his passing on December 14, 2019.
In addition to being a mother and homemaker, Helen worked as a payroll specialist for Lyons Manufacturing, Dillons corporate offices, and Sterling Drug. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, embroidery, listening to books on tape (especially Amish stories) and shopping on QVC. Helen also enjoyed attending Young At Hearts at Delos V. Smith Senior Center and was a member of Crossroads Christian Church.
She is survived by: her children, Cheryl Sifuentez (Dario) of Newton, Craig Thornburg (Lisa) of Rossville, Jeff Thornburg (Linda) of Hutchinson; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Louise McGinnis of Cumming, GA; and many extended family members.
Helen was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; siblings, Margaret Morgan, Barbara Dinsmore, and Howard Brown.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be 1 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at Crossroads Christian Church, 4310 N. Monroe St., Hutchinson, with a cookie reception to follow.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed either here or here.
Private family inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery following.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Crossroads Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.