Individual Details

Billie Lee Thornburg, 96, of North Platte, passed away Feb. 14, 2009, at her home. She was born April 12, 1912, to Albert Benton and Grace Belle McCance Snyder, in her grandfather McCance's sod house a few miles north of Cozad. Her early years were spent on the family ranch, 11 miles west of Tryon. She attended grade school in rural McPherson County. Billie was baptized in the Eclipse Episcopal Church at an early age. When Billie and her sister were old enough to attend high school, her father Bert leased out his ranch and moved his family to Salem, Ore., where she graduated from high school. Billie was married to Tiny Riley, who later died from injuries from a rodeo accident. In 1955, Billie was united in marriage to William Robert Thornburg, a navy career man. They lived in Japan for two years and Norfolk, Va., where they were active in real estate. In 1977, they returned to North Platte to care for Billie's mother. She was a dance instructor in North Platte for many years. At the age of 90, she began writing and was working on her fifth book when her health and eyesight began to fail. Among her books was "City & Prairie Bones," a story of North Platte's "Little Chicago" days. She formed The Old One Hundred and One Press Co. and published for others as well. She was an accomplished knitter, having made many beautiful sweaters. She was a member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Billie was a people person and had gathered many many friends over her long life. She also had a love for animals, most recently their cockatoo, Charlie. She is survived by her husband, Bob of 55 years, of North Platte; a step-son, Tom (Vickie) Thornburg of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two step-grand children, Todd (Julie) Thornburg and Sara (Steve) Trumbley; five great-grandchildren, Kody, Jacob, Cassidy, Seth and Tyler; a sister, Bertie Elfeldt of North Platte; a sister-in-law, Hollis Snyder of Sutherland; numerous nieces and nephews and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her brother, Miles Snyder; a sister, Nellie Snyder Yost; brothers-in-law, Ed and Don Thornburg, Harry Yost and Glenn Elfeldt; a great nephew, Jamie Elfeldt and great-great nephew, Brandon Blake. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, with the Rev. James Novakowski officiating at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign memorial book may do so 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrange- ments. Obituary from the North Platte Telegraph, North Platte, Nebraska, 17 Feb. 2009

Birth	12 Apr 1912	North of Cozad, Dawson Co., Nebraska
Marriage	1955	William Robert Thornburg
Death	14 Feb 2009	North Platte, Lincoln Co., Nebraska
Burial		Cremated, Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Lincoln Co., Nebraska

Spouse

Tiny Riley ( - 1933)

Spouse

William Robert Thornburg ( - )

Father	Albert "Bert" Benton Snyder (1872 - 1956)
Mother	Grace Bell McCance (1882 - 1982)
Sibling	Nellie Irene Snyder (1905 - 1992)
Sibling	Miles William Snyder (1906 - 1998)
Sibling	Flora Alberta "Bertie" Snyder (1914 - 2013)