Obituary of Ruth Magdalene Thornton

Ruth Magdalene Faith Thornton Ruth was born on September 3, 1923 and passed away peacefully on June 20, 2016 in Clewiston, Florida. Ruth was a faithful and loving wife of 69 years to Joseph D. Thornton, deceased, of J.D. Thornton Nurseries of Clewiston. Both were Clewiston residents. Ruth was a loving mother to Ronnie F. Thornton, deceased son. Ruth is survived by her daughter Lillian Elizabeth Barnhardt Thornton of St. Augustine, Florida and son George "Buck" Thornton with wife Barbara Thornton of J.D. Thornton nurseries of Clewiston. She is also survived by grandchildren Natalie Thornton, Simon Thornton, Jeremy Thornton, Nicole Barnhardt Nettles and great granddaughter Lillian Grace Nettles. Ruth traveled from her home town of Lincoln, Nebraska during WWII. She met Joe in Florida, where they immediately feel in love and a year later were married. Ruth was well known in Clewiston for her reputation as a "blessed soul" whose heart was kind, caring and truly loving to all she met. Her children adored her and lovingly called her mother and mom. Her grandchildren and great grandchild called her Oma, their "sweet as pie" grandma. Ruth was a faithful pillar and lifetime member of First Christian Church of Clewiston. Ruth changed the lives of all who she came in contact with by her gentle voice and steadfast faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. To a great many in the community, along with her family, Ruth Thornton will never be forgotten. Her memory lives on in all she so generously touched with her love and care. A viewing will be held at First Christian Church Wednesday, June 22, 2016 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. The family will celebrate the life of Ruth Thornton in a church service at First Christian Church of Clewiston Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 11:00am. Food and fellowship will follow immediately after the church service in the adjoining Fellowship Hall. Pastor Gary Folds will be officiating the service for Mrs. Thornton. First Christian Church 201 North Francisco Street Clewiston, Florida