Mary Agnes Patterson Thornburg, age 84 of North Platte, Nebraska passed away December 29, 2022 at Great Plains Health in North Platte.
Mary Agnes was born May 7, 1938 and was the 5th child of Louis and Agnes Greenwood Cooper. She graduated 8th grade from Echo District 24 County school. She attended St. Patrick’s High School graduating in 1956.
She married Earl Smith Jr. June 7, 1957, and the couple had 4 children, Debra Agnes, Earl John III, Christopher James, and Jerald Louis. They divorced about five years later and Mary Agnes moved back to North Platte, NE from Lincoln, NE. About a year later the family moved to Cozad, NE.
In Cozad she went to work at Monroe Auto Equipment. During this time, she met the love of her life, Jim Thornburg. They married and lived in various locations throughout their marriage due to Jim’s job as an electrical contractor and Mary Agnes found employment as needed. Jim suddenly became ill and died September 25, 1990.
She married Dale Patterson in 1999 and he passed away October 2001. After Dale’s passing, Mary was active in the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and enjoyed many years as president.
She enjoyed being a member of a lip sync group “The Misfits” sponsored by the Eagles. She also enjoyed reading, crosswords, and being with family.
Mary Agnes was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Earl Jr, Jim, and Dale; sister, Jeanne Anne; brothers, Ralph and Keith; sisters-in-law, Beulah, Pye, and Cindy; and brother-in-law, Bernie.
Mary Agnes leaves to celebrate her life Debra (Dave) Meter of Lincoln, John (Jeanne) Smith of Omaha, Jim (Terri) Smith of Texas, and Jerry (Laurie) Smith of Oregon; 12 grandchildren, Rachel (Kevin) Klahn, Janice (Scott) Burman, Stuart (Sara) Smith, Christina Smith, Taylor (Cassie) Smith, Tara Smith, Gabrielle (Parker) Niles, Tanner Smith, Spencer Smith, Lauren “Ryan” Meter, Alaina Meter, and Amanda Smith; and 12 great grandchildren.
Memorials have been established in Mary’s honor and kindly suggested to the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Jon Sorenson as celebrant. Burial will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be noon – 5:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.