Ronald (Ron) Thornton Obituary (1948 - 2011)

Ronald Thornton, 62, of Murray passed away suddenly on Feb. 4, 2011 at IMC. Ron was born in Orem to James Oliver and Vivien (Cordner) Thornton. He was the youngest of five children born to this union. Ron grew up in American Fork. After the passing of his mother at a very young age, he and his sister Diane were raised by their grandmother, Alice P. Thornton. Ron served his country proudly in the U.S. Army; he was a Vietnam Veteran. Ron retired from Geneva Steel where he worked for 19 ½ years as an overhead crane operator. He then moved to Arizona and started a new career as a millwright in the Arizona copper mines. Ron’s favorite pastime was playing golf and watching University of Arizona basketball. Ron is survived by his wife and soul mate, Sharon (Blood) Thornton of Murray; daughters, Rondi (Matt) South of Hermiston, Oregon; Michelle (Dan) Williams of Scottsville, MI; Kristine of Moyock, North Carolina; Wendy (Dave) Tiensvold of Moyock, North Carolina; his son, Tim of Murray; Eight beautiful grandkids, Samantha, Berik, Haily and Ronald Preston South, Danny and Gracie Williams, and Jonas and Jase Tiensvold. Also survived by two sisters, Diane (Dave) Erickson of Murray and Anita (Ray) Fausett of American Fork; two brothers, Dennis Thornton of Gun Barrel, Texas and Howard (Sherrie) Thornton of Ephraim, Utah. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his grandmother; both parents; his oldest brother, Tyler; and his baby sister, Jamie Morrison. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at IMC in Murray. At Ron’s request, there will be no services. The family is planning a celebration of his life to be announced at a later time.