Viola Thornburg,

MADISON-Viola Sue (Ripp) Thornburg (a loving and joyous soul), age 88, passed into eternal life on Monday, March 7, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 6, 1922, in Dimock, S.D., the daughter of Constant and Margaret Ripp. Along her lifes journey she met and married her husband of 64 years, Harlan Thornburg, on Feb. 14, 1946, in Madison. Vi worked at the VA hospital until her retirement, in 1988. She enjoyed playing bridge, swimming, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Vi cared for children throughout her life, and was a devoted and loving mother of five boys. She is survived by her husband, Harlan; sons, Peter (Ann), Keith (Diane), Tom (Connie), Gary, and Russell; grandchildren, Keith Jr., Margaret, Christine, and Catherine; great-grandchild, Gaven; brother, Rodney (Martha); many nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Rita. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. A special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare Inc., Meriter and St. Marys Hospitals, and to the countless others that cared for and gave Viola peace. Memorials: Memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding.