Mary Carol Thornburg

Mary Carol (Koch) Thornburg, 76, of Warrensburg was born August 29, 1941 near Creighton, the daughter of John Carry and Mary Louise (Ruckel) Koch. She departed this life January 13, 2018 at the Country Club Care Center surrounded by love and family.

Mary Carol attended Creighton Elementary School and graduated Creighton High School in 1959. She graduated from Central Missouri State College in 1962.

She was united in marriage to Richard E. Thornburg on June 6, 1965; they later divorced.

Mary Carol enjoyed her career as a school teacher (mostly fifth grade) for over 30 years. She retired from Sherwood School District in 1998. "Mrs. Thornburg" touched many lives and loved hearing about and from her former students. Many life-long “teacher” friends were made throughout her career.

Mary Carol was a devoted and loving mother. Her grandchildren brought a special joy to her life. Hosting family dinners and planning holiday celebrations were her favorite things to do--she loved having fun with her family!

Faith in God was also an important aspect of Mary Carol’s life. For many years she faithfully attended Urich Baptist Church and then later attended Creighton Baptist Church.

Mary Carol is survived by her daughter Kimberly Carol (Thornburg) Nicas and husband B.J. of Warrensburg; her son Richard Carry Thornburg of Creighton; her brother John Ruckel (and Lela) Koch of Creighton; her five grandchildren, Mallory Carol, Derek John and Molly Louise Nicas, and Loren Carry and Rebecca Suzan Thornburg along with other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri. Private family burial.

The family suggest that memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Creighton or to the Parker Cemetery, Creighton, Missouri.