George Watson Thurber Jr., of San Tan Valley, AZ born August 31, 1932, passed away April 27, 2013. He was the oldest child of George Watson Thurber Sr. and Winifred May Kohler Thurber. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen Marshall Thurber, his children: Kathleen Ann Furnell (George) of Gilbert, AZ, Patricia Louise Clark (John Sr.) of Paulden, AZ, James Watson Thurber of Mesa, AZ and Dorothy Elaine Walbrun (Bruce of Menasha, WI; brothers: Merle Thurber (Doris), Tom Thurber (Kay), Silas Thurber (Rosemarie), all from PA; 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon, sisters Mary and Jeanie, daughter Ruth Ann, granddaughter Cheryl Furnell, and great-granddaughter Emily Walbrun. George was born in Williamsfield, OH, grew up in Jamestown, PA and attended Jamestown schools. In high school, he met Mary Ellen Marshall, and they married July 22, 1950. Mary and George moved to Arizona in 1958. Viewing will be at Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ Friday May 3, 2013 from 6 to 8:00 pm. The service will be at 10:00 am Saturday May 4 also at Mountain View. The family would like to thank Dr. R. Christiaan Allen and Hospice of the Valley, who have been wonderful in helping George, Mary, and family through difficult times. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014.