Thurla Ann Thornton

Thurla Ann Thornton, 83 of Ammon, Idaho passed away Monday, November 2, 2020 in Rexburg, Idaho. Thurla was born May 7, 1937 in Annis, Idaho, the daughter of Harvey Woodrow Mobley and Beulah Chloy Harrop Mobley.  She attended schools in Rigby, Idaho, graduating from Rigby High School.  She continued her education at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho and at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah earning an associate’s degree in Elementary Education.

Thurla married William Mont Thornton in the Idaho Falls, Idaho LDS Temple on February 6, 1958. She devoted her life to being a wife, a mother and homemaker. She did however take opportunities to work.  She worked as a cashier at Reed’s Dairy, a substitute teacher and a secretary for Bonneville Junior High, and at Fabricland, because of her love of sewing.

Thurla was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved the Savior. She loved working with children and youth. In the Young Women’s program she served several years as the Girl’s Camp Director as well as Young Womens President. Thurla served in Primary as Primary chorister, teacher and President.

Thurla loved the beauty of nature and being in the mountains with her family. She often went hiking with her family and during the hikes she shared the names of all the wildflowers with them.  Thurla loved to grow fresh vegetables in her garden. She was a talented cook and enjoyed making amazing meals for her family and friends. She loved her pets and the companionship they gave her. She was the family historian, knowing and sharing the stories of her ancestors. She served as a missionary with her husband to Kirtland, Ohio for three years, where she was a tour guide while her husband helped restore and paint the historic sites. She liked to sew and read, continuing to learn and share her talents throughout her entire life.

Thurla is survived by her daughters: Susan (Eric) Fenton of Canton, Ohio; Becky (Wayne) Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona; and Brenda (Ron) Call of Rexburg, Idaho. Her sons: Bryan Thornton of Pocatello, Idaho; Kevin (Nancy) Thornton of Fairfield, California; Alan (Audra) Thornton of Bairoil, Wyoming; Robert (Sarah) Thornton of Tooele, Utah; and Aaron (Jodi) Thornton of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Her sister: Betty Larsen of Lancaster, California and Brother, Errol Mobley of Rigby, Idaho. She was blessed with thirty-one grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren with another one due in January.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Thornton. Her parents, Harvey and Beulah Mobley. A brother, Thurman Mobley and a sister, Helen Christensen.

A family funeral will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, (101 West Main Street, Rigby, ID). The family will meet prior to services at Eckersell’s from 12:30 to 1:45 PM.  Interment will be in the Ammon City Cemetery.

With the Idaho State order on attendance to indoor services, we are asking that the public be mindful of the family as they share their condolences in person. Masks are advised and social distancing encouraged.  There will be a limitation of 50 attendees at the service.  A live broadcast of the service can be viewed by logging in to the following site: http://webcast.funeralvue.com then enter event number 39925

Thank you for your consideration of the family as they remember their mother, your condolences and memories can be shared at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.