Kathaleen Sue Thornton Obituary (1939

A memorial service for Katie (Norris Garrels) Thornton who passed away December 17, 2019 will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon, IA with Pastor Dan Smith officiating. Burial will be held in the Eldon Cemetery immediately following the service. The family request casual dress as Katie would have preferred it that way. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Kathaleen Sue Thornton was born on June 25, 1939 in Eldon, IA to Martin and Lela Brown Norris. Her early years were spent in Eldon where she graduated with the Eldon High School Class of 1958. Shortly after high school she was united in marriage to James "Jim" Garrels. Together they became the proud parents of three children, Melissa, Kim, and James "Brian". The family lived in Clinton, IA where Kathaleen not only worked hard at a factory, but also as a homemaker and mother. Jim and Kathaleen later divorced and Kathaleen returned home where she met Jack D. Thornton. The two where married in Fairfield, IA on November 3, 1988 and remained by each other's side until Jack's death. Kathaleen was an ornry, spunky lady who always kept you on your toes, all while still maintaining unconditional love for her family. She enjoyed spending time camping, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. When she found time to sit down, she would relax with a good word search. Kathaleen never turned down a chance to eat maid-rites, especially at the Canteen. She was a loving mother, grandmother and friend who will be deeply missed. Kathaleen was preceded in death by her parents; one son, James Brian Garrels and four siblings, Jim Norris, Sally Eakins, Joe Norris, and an infant sister, Patsy. Left to share her story are her children, Melissa (Mike) Covert of Vienna, WV and Kim (Tom "Mo") Green of Bloomfield, IA; one brother, Jerry (Karen) Norris of Brighton, IA, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends.