Opal Leora Thornberry

Aug. 28, 1933 – Jan. 22, 2021

Opal Leora Thornberry, 87, a resident of Bonnie Bluejacket Memorial Nursing Home, formerly of Greybull, died Jan. 22, 2021.

She was born Aug. 28, 1933, in Waynesburg, Pa., the daughter of Asa and Evelyn Webster. She attended school there, eventually winding up in Wyoming.

Leora (the name she was mostly known by) married Wilmer Thornberry March 6, 1954, in Laramie, Wyo. Afterward they traveled across the state while Wilmer worked in construction. In 1959 they purchased a home in Greybull where they raised their two sons, Steven and Roger.

She worked many years at the former Bryant’s Campers company and at Davies Machine Shop. She also babysat a few special kids including her grandchildren.

Leora loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She very much enjoyed bowling and was a member of the Women’s Bowling Association in Greybull. She excelled at her hobbies that included crochet, embroidery, sewing, quilting and playing slot machines. Leora spent her time with Wilmer camping, fishing and visiting friends and family. Her grandkids were the highlight of her life.

She eventually succumbed to dementia and entered the nursing home. However, she adjusted to the change quickly and became a favorite resident of many caregivers and staff. She roamed the halls visiting with others while carrying her two dollies she named Roger and Steven.

Leora was preceded in death by Wilmer, her husband of 57 years, who passed away in January of 2011. She is survived by her sons Steven (Tammy) of Greybull and Roger (Cindy) of Gillette; grandsons Chad (Dawna) Thornberry of Gillette, Dylan Thornberry of Greybull; granddaughter Sara (Nic) Prather of Yuba City, Calif.; two step grandchildren, Nikole and Shane Greene of Greybull; seven great grandchildren, Jason and Scarlett Thornberry of Gillette, Emery and Kennedy Prather of Yuba City, and Dade, Isak and Edda of Greybull; four sisters, Lucy (Susie) Ratliff, Karen Hanko, Lynne Bihun and Linda Price and one brother John Webster as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by sisters Jeanie Smith and Nancy Cartright and two brothers, Sam and Butch Webster.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021.

Atwood Family Funeral Directors have been entrusted with arrangements.

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