Freda Mae Thornbrugh

Freda Mae Thornbrugh peacefully passed away on March 7, 2015 at the age 93. Freda was surrounded by her family and loving husband of 74 years, Paul Thornbrugh. She was born January 2, 1922 in Garnett, Kansas, the daughter of Fred Barkley and Hazel Fern (Marshall) Curtiss. She grew up on the family farm that had been homesteaded by her great grandparents in an area known as Central City flats, Anderson County, Kansas. One of three children, she enjoyed a rich and nurturing childhood. Freda was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Curtiss and sister, Ruby Jean McKenzie. It was during her high school years that Freda met and fell in love with her ‘High School Sweetheart,’ Paul and they married in 1941, remaining together and in love until her death. Following graduation at Garnett High School class of ‘39, Freda was both principal and teacher at Mt. Ida Kansas, a rural, one-room schoolhouse with the challenging task of teaching all eight grade levels. By all accounts she was an exceptional teacher. During WWII she exchanged time between the family farm and residing in Brooklyn, NY to be near her husband while his naval ship was in port. Like most families after the War, she devoted her time and energy to raising a family while providing support as both mother and homemaker. Freda and her husband progressed through life setting up households in Kansas, Texas, and Colorado, finally settling in Oklahoma where they remained for the duration of her life. Her children will remember her for her sense of humor, keen mechanical ability, and her unending support. She was simultaneously a Cub Scout den mother, an Eagle Scout mother, a little league scorekeeper, and driver/helper for the boys’ paper routes. She was active in the community, including: local theater, a member of Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her grandchildren knew her as an inspirational influence and mentor; teaching them to cook and sew with the patience and kindness that only a grandmother could possess. Her extended family will remember her as ‘madam boss,’ always there to provide help, comfort, and advice. She could be counted on to run the show when needed! Freda lived a long and meaningful life. She is survived by her husband Paul Thornbrugh, Tulsa, OK and her sons: Curtiss Thornbrugh (Vivian Williams) Rindge, NH, Thomas Thornbrugh (Jean) Tulsa, OK, Fred Thornbrugh, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, Michael Thornbrugh (Raeanne) Tulsa, OK and nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 13, 2015, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to W.I.N.G.S. and left in care of the funeral home.