Jurline "Jurl" Thurston, 88, of Washington, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2026 with her family by her side.

She was born April 9, 1937 in Paulton, IL to Lloyd and Mary Shadowens. She grew up in Southern Illinois where she met and married Frank Thurston on May 18, 1955. They moved to Washington shortly after, where they raised four children.

Jurl is lovingly remembered by her children, Franklin (Sherry) Thurston of Washington, Kenneth (Kimberly) Thurston of Spring Bay, Sandra (Russell) Dirks of Washington, and Rodney (Dawn) Thurston of Washington. Her love lives on through her grandchildren, Tera (Casey) Thomas of Metamora, Shannon Thomas of Washington, MacKenzie (Kevin) Wesselmann of Clayton, NC, and Noah Thurston of Washington, and her great-grandchildren, Jeneva Thomas of Metamora and Tucker Wesselmann of Clayton, NC; and her loving sister, Betty Clark of Marion also survives.

She was preceded in death by her adoring husband, Frank; her sister, Rita; brother, Monroe; her parents, Lloyd and Mary; and her grandson, Nathan Thurston.

Jurl had a special fondness for spending time with her family, whether it was gathering for holidays or simply enjoying everyday moments. She delighted in spoiling her grandchildren and took pride in watching them grow. Known affectionately as someone who loved shopping for "bling", Jurl's vibrant personality shone though in everything she did, from the sparkle in her jewelry to the sparkle in her eyes. Her faith was important to her and she was a devoted member of Crossroads Global Methodist Church in Washington.

Her family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at the Loft in East Peoria for taking wonderful care of their mom.

Her funeral service will be held at noon Friday, February 20, 2026 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hillcrest Memory Gardens in rural Morton.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude.