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Nancye Hudnall Palas Thornberry

Nancye Hudnall Palas Thornberry, 89, passed away March 24 in Lakeland FL. She was born December 15, 1930 in Bourbon County to Ruby Frakes and William Hudnall. Nancye ttended Headquarters High School, Blue Licks Christian Church. She was married to Earnest “Gus” Palas, of Cynthiana.

Nancye was a graduate of Eastern KY University, Alumni Hall of Fame. She was active in Kentucky Federation of Women’s Clubs, a Kentucky Colonel, the first woman elected to the Richmond City Council, and worked at Lexington US Army Logistics Data Center.

She moved to Lakeland FL in 1968, and was a  teacher, a museum director, and the founder of Polk Senior Games (senior olympics).

She is survived by children, Lisa Palas, Deena Palas Wilbur, Gus Palas (Lisa Lynne) (all of Lakeland FL), Julie Palas (WV), Linda Thornberry Bradley (Wally, St Augustine), Bruce Thornberry (Pam, VA); nine grandchildren, 16 great Grandchildren; brother Virgil Hudnall, sister Drusie Hudnall Miller.

She was preceded in death by husband of 41 years, Rudy Thornberry.

Memorial donations are suggested to Polk Senior Games, 515 E Boulevard St, Bartow FL 33830. Services will be held at a later date.

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