Gloria Jeanne Thornton

Racine – Gloria Jeanne (nee: Evenson) Thornton, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 11, 2009.

Gloria was born in Milwaukee on October 31, 1927 to the late George and Thora (nee: Christensen) Evenson. On September 4, 1948, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Elmer Thornton, who preceded her in death in 1975.

Early in her career, Gloria was employed by JC Penney. Following, she served as a teller at North Shore Bank for many years, until her retirement. She was a long-time member of Bethania Lutheran Church. Among her interests, she enjoyed reading and playing Bingo. Above all, she loved nothing more than spending time with her entire family – especially with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Surviving are her children, Susan (Robert) Williams of Silver Lake, Jacqueline (Edward) Young, Thomas Thornton, Mark (Edith) Thornton and James Thornton, all of Racine; grandchildren, Kira, Joel and Alex Young; Matthew (Ahnna) and Marcus (Christine) Thornton; Ryan and Eric Thornton; Callie (James) Spivey and Aaron Williams; great-grandchildren, Emma and Clayton Spivey; Derek and Kylee Thornton; and Matthew D. Thornton; brother, Richard Evenson of Milford, Delaware; special friends, Elaine (Stan) Jensen and Carolyne Luettgen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gloria was preceded in death by her infant brother, Marshall Evenson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 6:00 pm at Bethania Lutheran Church, 4120 Wright Ave., with Rev. Steve Wohlfeil officiating. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Bethania Lutheran Church on Thursday from 4-6 pm. In memory of Gloria, memorials to Bethania Lutheran Church have been suggested.

A special note of thanks to the entire staff of Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and guidance in our Mom’s time of need. May God bless all of you!