Etta Rudolf "Queenie" Thurber, 101, of Tryon Estates Retirement Community, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 in St. Luke's Hospital in Columbus, NC after a brief illness. Queenie was born on November 16, 1911 in Oak Park, IL to EttaMae Chesney Rudolf and Eugene Arthur Rudolf. Queenie served in many capacities in her adult life. She was very active in the Jack and Jill Theater in Chicago, IL and the Tryon Little Theater. She and her husband, Joseph Thurber, who preceded her in death in 1990, moved to Tryon from Oak Park, IL in the 1970's. Queenie was very active in the Tryon Community and volunteered at the Congregational Church and the Tryon Little Theater. In 1994, she was inducted in to the Second Wind Hall of Fame. She is survived by a son, Richard Thurber (wife-Lynn) of Gainesville, GA and a daughter Jean Thurber Russell of Lamar MO; grandchildren Tracie Smith and Kerri Thurber; a dear nephew John Vilas (wife-Jean) and numerous nieces,nephews, and great grandchildren. A memorial service of Queenie's happy life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2013 in the Tryon Estates Auditorium with Dr. Robert K. Barrows, Jr. officiating. A reception and time for celebrating her life with food and laughter will be held at Tryon Estates immediately after the service. Interment of remains in the Congregational Church of Christ Memorial Gardens will be held in a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Congregational Church of Christ, 210 Melrose Avenue, Tryon, NC 28782 or charity of the donor's choice.
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