Judy Lyn (Tidwell) Thornton

Judy Lyn (Tidwell) Thornton passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in West Jordan, UT, after a prolonged battle with Dementia. She was born on October 3, 1941 to Madge (McDonald) and James Lynn Tidwell in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Her life was spent in selfless service to those around her. As a dedicated mother and registered nurse, she changed the lives of countless individuals.

Judy, however, was not a stranger to pain. After just nine years of marriage, her husband Dr. Lee A. Thornton M.D. was killed in a motorcycle accident. This left her with three young children under the age of eight to care for on her own. Only 27 months later, her young son, Matthew, was taken by a tragic car accident. The same accident simultaneously took the life of her Mother-in-law, leaving Judy alone with her two daughters.

Yet she was blessed with great joy as she postponed her nursing career and dedicated her whole life to raising her beautiful daughters Mykalanne and Kathryn. She was an integral part of their lives-doing everything from chaperoning overnight school trips to cheering them on in all their pursuits. She was also a devoted member of the LDS Church; serving in many capacities and blessing the lives of her friends and neighbors.

Lee and Judy’s greatest wish in life was to raise a large family, and God was mindful of their desire. From her two daughters, their dream was realized and she was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and the promise of more to come.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Lee, son, Matthew, father, James, mother Madge, brother, Billy Joe (Kip) Tidwell, and grandson Victor Ryther. She is survived by her brothers Mac and Randy Tidwell, daughters Mykalanne (Stephen Ryther) and Kathryn (Elden Maxwell) and grandchildren (Rebecca (Shawn) Smith, Lisa Ryther, Amanda (Sean) Carter, Lee (Darian) Ryther, Matthew Ryther, Daniel Ryther, Austin (Madison) Maxwell, Christian (Abby) Maxwell, Benjamin (Jenna) Maxwell, Emma (Jefferson) McClain, Allegra (Kyle) Selfaison, Jonathan Maxwell, Nathan Maxwell and Ian Maxwell.)

A funeral will be held in her honor on Tuesday July 10 at 10 AM at the LDS Chapel on 8385 S 4800 W West Jordan, UT. A viewing will take place on Monday July 9 at the Valley View Memorial home on 4335 W 4100 S from 6-8 PM and the following morning at the church from 9:00 -9:45. Interment will take place at Valley View cemetery next to her husband, Lee.

Mom, Grandma, Grandma-great, we love you and will miss you. Thank you for your loving kindness and righteous example and for the exemplary life of service that you lived. We know you are at peace with your family on the other side. Please know that you will always live on in our hearts and minds.