Ralph Thornburg

Ralph W. Thornburg, 91, of Syracuse died at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2009 in his residence. He was born on April 4, 1917 in Syracuse, IN to Ralph E. & Blanche (White) Thornburg.

A lifetime resident of Syracuse area, he graduated in 1935 from Syracuse High School and then attended Purdue University and Butler University, graduating in 1939 with a degree in pharmacy. He was married on Sept. 12, 1940 to Marjorie E. Slabaugh who preceded him in death in 1987. He then married on May 28, 1988 to Hulda M. (Ramsey) Hursh who survives. He formerly owned & operated Thornburg Drugs in Syracuse, North Webster, Warsaw, Columbia City, Nappanee & South Bend from 1941 - 1985.

He was a member of the St. Andrew's United Methodist Church in Syracuse and a charter member of the Syracuse Lion's Club. He was also a past member of the Syracuse / Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Retail Druggists, the National Association of Chain Drugstores, the Indiana Federated Council of Healthcare Facilities, the Indiana Pharmacy Association, served as National Chairman of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and was board member and president of the Kosciusko County Hospital.

He is survived by:
Wife- Hulda Thornburg of Syracuse
2 Daughters - Jill Thornburg of Thornton, CO & Jenny Rowland of Syracuse
2 Sons - John (wife, Trena) Thornburg M.D. of Okemos, MI & Tom (wife, Cyndi) Thornburg of Syracuse.
2 Step Daughters - Mrs. William (Anita) Cast of Fort Wayne & Mrs. Cy (Lonnie) Zeichner of University Park, FL
1 Step Son - Stanley Hursh of Syracuse
7 Grand - Tracy Ramsour, Courtney Calatroni, Cassie Hatfield, Amy Flores, Erin, Andrew & Caitlin Thornburg, 9 Gt. Grand, 7 Step Grand, & 4 Step Gt. Grandchildren

He was preceded by his parents and a sister - Martha Ann Thornburg

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. on April 26, 2009 at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Eastway officiating. Private burial will take place in the Syracuse Cemetery.

Memorial bequest may be given to the Ralph Thornburg Family Scholarship at Wawasee High School, the American Heart Association or cancer Society of America. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.