Shortly after graduating high school, she married her childhood sweetheart, Stephen Thornton, and together they moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, where she attended Central Missouri State College. She impressively completed her degree in just three years, while also giving birth to her first child. At the age of 20, she signed her first teaching contract, embarking on a remarkable career in education that spanned more than 34 years in public education and 11 years in private school settings in Clinton, Missouri. Even after officially retiring, her passion for teaching continued as she substituted for eight years following her move to Bixby, Oklahoma.
Teaching wasn’t just a profession for her, it was a calling. She was devoted to the growth and education of countless children and was cherished by students and colleagues alike for her warmth, dedication, and creativity. In addition to her time in the classroom, she was involved in numerous projects that reflected her many talents, including macramé, stitching, and genealogy. She even joined the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Missouri, later transferring her membership to the local Bixby chapter. Always busy, she loved to coupon, create handmade gifts, and craft personalized vests for loved ones.
Her life in Clinton was filled with love, family, and community involvement. She and her husband made Clinton their home, where they raised their children and spent time contributing to the local community.
She was a devoted member of New Beginnings Church in Bixby, where her faith, warmth, and desire to help others shone through. A true “doer and helper,” she formed many close friendships through her involvement in church and community activities. Despite battling illness and a tumor diagnosis in March 2023, her spirit and love for others never wavered. She received compassionate care at the Oklahoma Cancer Center, and her family is grateful for the support they received during this time.
She is survived by her loving children: her son, Tim Thornton and his wife Donna of Mustang, Oklahoma, along with their daughters Mackenzie Marie McClain and her husband Garin of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Meredith Michelle DeGarmo and her husband Dillon of Houston, Texas; and her daughter, Natalie Sue Armstrong and her husband Lyle of Sullivan, Missouri, along with their children, Mitchell and wife Emily, and Cameron. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Eloise DeGarmo, twins Charlotte and Isaac, and Briggs McClain. Her family was the center of her world, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy.
Her love for family, friends, and the many communities she served leaves a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her love and spirit live on in the hearts of those she touched.
