Lauretta J. Thurston, age 96 of Elkland passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro. Born January 30, 1921 in Elkland, she was the daughter of the late Elmer R. and Florence (Laughner) Backes. She worked for Citizens and Northern Bank for 32 years, was a member of the Elkland United Methodist Church for over 50 years and was a member of the United Methodist Women. Lauretta is survived by her nephews, Albert M. (Lorraine) Thurston of Painted Post, Alfred W. (Lorraine) Thurston of Elkland, Terry (Kay) Thurston of Sebring, FL, Joseph (Dawn) Backes of Endicott, James Backes of Endicott and Deborah Backes of Ft. Meyers, FL, and Timothy Backes of Endicott; her nieces, Sue Backes of Vestal and Lori Jo (Glenn) Simpson of Savona and numerous great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth R. Thurston on November 15, 2000.
Family Members
Parents
Elmer Backes
1899–1973
Florence Mae Laughner Backes
1904–1994
Spouse
Kenneth R. Thurston
1919–2000
Siblings
Joseph L. Backes*
1923–1987
James L. Backes*
1928–2000
*Calculated Relationship
