Shirley Grace Thornton Sweetland Obituary (1921 - 2012)

Shirley Grace Thornton Sweetland, 90, most recently of Portland, Oregon; died February 1, 2012 at the home of her son Bill, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born December 27, 1921 in Aberdeen, Idaho, a daughter of Martha Isabelle Norton and Ira John Thornton. She was the eighth of nine children. She grew up in rural Idaho. During the war years, she moved to Bremerton, Washington where she met her husband Bill. They were married in 1943 and settled down in Bill’s home state of New Jersey. They enjoyed over 50 years together in Sea Girt, located on the Jersey Shore. Shirley raised four children, Sandra Rae (Sandy), William A. (Bill), Martha Eileen (Molly), and Peter Thornton; each of them married and produced beloved grandchildren. She lived for her family and was happiest when they surrounded her. To be nearer to her kids and grandchildren, she moved to Utah in 1995 and then to Oregon in 2011. She and Bill loved to travel and visited most of the USA and Canada in their RV. They made regular trips out west to visit friends and family. In 2001, she appeared on the Antiques Roadshow and subsequently treated her family to a Caribbean cruise. She was especially excited to see the ancient ruins in Mexico. The family also celebrated her 85th birthday with a Hawaiian vacation. Shortly after her 90th birthday, she spent time revisiting the shore, though this time in Oregon. Shirley was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and enjoyed serving in many different callings. Her parents’ pioneer legacy instilled values of perseverance, optimism, and gratitude. Despite various health ailments and over seven years of kidney dialysis, Shirley always maintained these attitudes. She will forever be an example to all those who knew her. Her husband William Arlingham Sweetland Jr, her oldest daughter Sandy, and her son-in-law Phillip, welcomed her home across the veil. She is survived by her sister Wendola Koelling of Meridian, ID, her children Bill (Alice) Portland, OR, Eileen Skiles, West Jordan, UT and Peter (Chris) Idaho Falls, ID and ten grandchildren. Friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, at the Jenkins Soffe funeral home located at 1007 West South Jordan Parkway, in South Jordan. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. and burial will take place at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.