Thurza E. Koger, 85, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, May 15 at St. Francis Health Center. She was born October 4, 1922 in Holton, the daughter of William Edward and Laura Bunker Ellis. Thurza was a 1940 graduate of Topeka High School and also attended KSU for 2 years. She was a homemaker and also worked for KSU in the late 1940's as a secretary in the History Department. Thurza was a fifty year member of the Columbia O.E.S Chapter 152 in Holton. She was also a former member of All Star Club in Holton and the Tole Painters Club. Thurza was a former member of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Holton.
Thurza married John M. Koger on September 26, 1943 in Topeka, KS. He survives. Other survivors include sons; John Koger, Jr. and his wife, Cindy of Topeka, Chris Koger and his wife, Carolyn of Holton, David Koger of Ft. Worth, TX, and Paul Koger and his wife, Jane of Topeka, KS; a daughter, Barbara Keck and her husband, Lynn of Auburn, KS; 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Thurza was preceded in death by one brother, William Edward Ellis, Jr.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. The family will greet friends from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to Beck-Bookman Library or KSU Foundation Scholarship Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, Box 270, Holton KS 66436.