Obituary for Opal Marie Thornburg

Life is full of trials and tribulations, but we just have to trust God and everything will be good in the end.
- Opal Thornburg

Opal Marie (Dunkin) Thornburg, 80, of Keosauqua, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Opal was born on September 17, 1945, in Unionville, Missouri, the eighth of nine children born to the late Neita and Ray Dunkin of Douds, Iowa. She was a faithful Christian, a loving wife, and a deeply caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who dedicated her life to her family and her faith.

On November 17, 1963, Opal married the love of her life, Walter Myron Thornburg of Keosauqua, Iowa. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children. Opal was happiest when surrounded by her family, and she turned ordinary moments into lasting memories. Her hands were rarely still; she loved crocheting beautiful keepsakes, tending to her garden, and sharing quality time with her grandchildren.

Opal’s legacy of love lives on through her family, including her devoted husband, Walter Myron Thornburg; her four children, Myron Ray Thornburg and his wife Lisa, Danny Lee Thornburg and his wife Deanne, Annette Marie Rich and her husband Patrick, and Linda Kay Vivier.

She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, with a seventh on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Jean, and her brother, Fred.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Neita and Ray Dunkin, and her siblings, Trulane, Leon, Lillian, Lucille, Mary, and Raymond.

A private service will be held for immediate family members.

In lieu of flowers, the Thornburg family very respectfully requests donations be made to a hospice memorial fund, managed by Danny Thornburg, 20003 King Ave, Keosauqua, Iowa 52565. The memorial fund will be used to provide financial assistance to care for future hospice patients in need. Donations should be made payable to Van Buren County Hospital.