MARYVILLE, Ill. – Esther Elizabeth Thornton, 91, passed away June 25, 2009, at Rosewood Care Center, Edwardsville, Ill. She was born July 19, 1917, in Stockholm, the daughter of John Larry and Amanda M. (Dahlen) McAfee. She lived her childhood years in Greenville and most of her adult life in Orrington. She also lived and worked in Phoenix for several years before returning to Orrington. She was a stitcher for Viners Shoe Co., Bangor. She also worked at a nursing home and private home care in Phoenix. She was a member of United Methodist Church, Orrington. She was a member of the home extension service, and Rebekah Lodge for more than 60 years. She loved to travel and visit her children and grandchildren, and traveled to Germany, Italy and Australia. Her other interests were a love of flowers, birds, cooking and sewing. Her smile and love of life will be missed by her family and friends. She is survived by daughters, Shirley Hughston of Northport, Fla., Cathy and James Leathers of Troy, Ill., Judy Parady of Hampden and Karen and Russ Lowry of Union Grove, Ala.; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, David E. Thorton; parents, John Larry and Amanda M. (Dahlen) McAfee; son, Robert Bruce Thornton; grandchildren, David Hughston, Bruce Leathers, Robbie Thornton and Carey Thornton; brothers, Charles, Arnold, Frank, Donald, Frederick and Edward McAfee; and sister, Dorothy McAfee. A memorial service will be held at a later date with the Rev. Dennis Price. Burial will take place in Orrington. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.laughlinfh.com.
ESTHER ELIZABETH THORNTON
