Margaret Josephine Thurman

1918 - 2015

GALESBURG - Margaret Josephine Thurman (Kruse) died peacefully in Galesburg on May 27, 2015, at the age of 97.
Margaret is survived by her daughters, Barbara Zinn of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kay Busch of Galesburg; and her grandchildren, James Zinn, Patrick Busch, Shelby Jones, Scott Zinn, Tony Dennis, Melissa Lough, Marnie Zinn, Amanda Goates, Eric Zinn, Grant Zinn, and Cameron Zinn. She also has 16 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Connie Dennis; her siblings, Helen Lombard, Ted Kruse, and Katherine Moss; and her husband, Robert.
Margaret was born March 22, 1918, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ferdinand T. Kruse and Mary Beda Dahlgren Kruse. She married Robert Guy Thurman in 1944. After moving to Galesburg, Margaret began working for O.T. Johnson as a clerk. After she left O.T.'s, she became a fixture on Main Street as "Grandma" serving the patrons of Little King until she retired at 83.
Margaret was a loving mother. She stayed active throughout her life, riding her bike until she was 83 and a was life-long gardener. She was a dedicated member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2015, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1977 E. Fremont St., Galesburg. A viewing will immediately precede the service at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Margaret's life. Memorials may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Condolences can be sent to Kay Busch, 649 N. Broad St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.