Elizabeth “Liz” A. Thornton, of Apple Creek, returned to Heavenly Father on Tuesday morning, August 2, 2022 at her home following a short courageous battle with cancer. Her loving family was with her.
She was born on March 9, 1955 in Pocatello, Idaho to William Alva and Ethel (Jolley) Borders. Since her father was a career military officer she lived in several states and Germany while growing up. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while a high school senior at Nampa High School in Idaho. Liz attended Ricks College and Boise State University participating in theatre and music programs.
Liz married Royce B. Thornton on June 13, 1978 at the Idaho Falls Temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He survives.
After accompanying Royce as he completed college degrees at Cal Poly and Penn State, she assisted Royce in operating Sagewind Jerseys in Kuna, Idaho. They moved from Idaho to Apple Creek in 1983 and she became a devoted homemaker for her family. She once said that her occupation was “domestic goddess.” She loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother … her family was her life.
In addition to her family, the gospel of Jesus Christ was her second great passion. She was a member of the Wooster Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served many individuals in various capacities: music, compassionate service, teacher, mentor, and several leadership roles.
She was an avid reader and listener of audio books; enjoyed music and theatre; frequently played board and card games with her family; with a “labor of love” she cooked, sewed, and quilted to please her family; delighted in Christmas and birthdays; had a great sense of humor; spent considerable time researching ancestors and family history; and enjoyed travel, historic sites, nature’s beauty, flowers, and not-too-primitive camping with her family.
In addition to her loving husband, and her father of Las Vegas, she is survived by her children, Jennifer Anne (Bob) Brightman of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Emily Marie (Seumas) Hodges of Kuna, Idaho, Cari Elise (Kyle) Buckley of Meridian, Idaho, Christopher Brian Thornton and Hammond Lavar Thornton both of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Nathanial Royce Thornton of Dover, Ohio and Elizabeth Ralene (Sean) McGuire of Orrville, Ohio; 15 grandchildren including, William, Matthew, Michael, Evelyn, and Charlotte Brightman, Hallie and Burke Hodges, Hannah, Liam, Timothy, Haylie, Lydia, and Benjamin Buckley, Thalia and Thane McGuire; a brother, W. Alexander Borders of Concord, California; a sister, Susan (Tom) Montieth ; numerous other family members and a host of friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:45 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Wooster Ward Meeting House), 1388 Liahona Dr., in Wooster with Bishop Brian Craven officiating followed by dedication of grave at Apple Creek Cemetery in Apple Creek. Individuals, who cannot attend the in-person funeral service, may participate via zoom at https://zoom.us/j/97758876242.
Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2022 at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr. in Wooster from 6 - 8 pm and one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday from 9:30 - 10:30 am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humanitarian Fund - Wooster Ward.
Private or public condolences may be shared with family at: www.custerglenn.com
Custer-Glenn Funeral Home in Wooster is honored to serve the family.