Judith L. Thornburg, age 74, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at the Cleveland Clinic.
Born July 6, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John and Cornelia Conner Merrill, Judy lived in Wayne County most of her life. She was a graduate of Fort Wayne South Side High School. Judy’s education continued at Ball State University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine art.
She taught art in the Northeastern Wayne School Corporation, primarily at the high school level, retiring in 2000 after 34 years of service. In 1999, Judy was one of the semifinalists for Indiana Teacher of the Year (although she would never mention that). Since retirement she had focused on becoming one of the premier pastel artists in the area, also dabbling in silversmithing and other art activities.
Judy is sorely missed by her husband of 51 years, Ed Thornburg; daughter, Jennifer N. Thornburg of West Chester, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Sam and Abigail; mother, Cornelia Merrill of Richmond; brother, John Merrill Jr.; sister-in-law, Marjorie Stewart; brother-in-law, Warren (Joyce) Thornburg; niece, Valerie Ebert; nephews, Joe Stewart and John and Robert Clopton; cousins; and many friends, colleagues, and students.
She was preceded in death by her father and grandmother, Natalia Conner.
As per her wishes, Judy’s remains were donated to the Cleveland Clinic.
There will be a celebration of Judy’s life from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. A time of remembrance will follow at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to the Richmond Art Museum, P.O. Box 816, Richmond, IN 47375.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.