Mary Lou Thornton

Mary Lou passed away from this life into the arms of Jesus her Savior on May 2, 2015. She was born in Morton, Washington, on Aug. 11, 1944, the youngest daughter of Ellis and Mabel (Hale) Compton. She grew up on the family farm in Highland Valley.

In 1962, Mary Lou graduated from Morton High School and after graduating from Western Washington University taught elementary education in Willapa and Morton school districts.

In 1970, Mary Lou married Richard (Dick) Thornton, then taught in the Sumner school district. After taking time off to raise their children, she returned to teaching at Morton, Mineral, White Pass and Mossyrock schools, retiring in 2013.

Last year the Thorntons celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary. She loved many kinds of music, from her French horn in high school band to Appalachian to opera. Mary Lou sang harmony with her sisters and in church choirs all her life.

Most of all, Mary Lou loved teaching children whether in public schools or in children's ministries, from Sunday school to vacation Bible school. They all loved Mrs. Thornton.

Mary Lou will also be remembered for crafting beautifully beaded jewelry.

She is survived by her husband and soulmate, Dick; daughters, Shelley (James)Simon and grandson Derek of Tacoma and Lisa of Kent; son, Jeff of Mineral. She also leaves her sisters, Lynda Nanney and Louise (Marc) Fisher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Mabel Compton.

A celebration of life will be held at Brown's Morton Chapel on Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service a light lunch will be served at Morton Community Bible Church. Flowers would be appreciated, or a contribution to one of the following, Morton High School Husky Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1050, Morton, WA 98356, Morton Community Bible Church Children's Ministries, P.O. Box 382, Morton, WA 98356 or Roxy Children's Theatre, P.O. Box 781, Morton, WA 98356.