Born January 23, 1933 in Peoria, IL to Edward E. and Cloie A. (Perkins) Younglove, she married John M. Thornton on March 5, 1951, in Peoria. He preceded her in death.
Also preceding her in death are two brothers, Warren and Edward Jr.; and five sisters, Elizabeth, Edith, Beulah, Jessie, and Ruth.
Surviving are three sons, Pete, Bill, and Jim all of Peoria Heights; three daughters, Chris (and Dennis) Barney of Morton, Laura (and Lenny) Jurina, and Jody (and John) Ford, both of Peoria Heights; 27 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She owned and operated The Penguin Tap in Peoria Heights until selling the business in 2007.
She will be remembered for her generous nature within her family and the Peoria Heights community. She lived for her family and spent so much of her life taking care of all her loved ones. For several years, she hosted weekly Sunday dinners for all her kids and grandkids; a fond memory for all involved.
She was a member of the Peoria Orchid Society for several years and found great joy in her orchids. She was also an avid bowler on many leagues throughout the years. She was a speed skater in her younger years and won many awards.
She was a proud member of the Glen Oak Christian Church for many years.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 and one hour before services, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to Peoria Heights Fire Department, St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com
