Jaunita Thornton
June 30, 1915 - December 20, 2007
Jaunita Thornton passed away on Dec. 20, 2007, at her home in Fort Collins. She was 92.
She was born on June 30, 1915, in Kirwin, Kan., to Edna Emily Stephenson King and John Flago King. She was raised by her step-father, Josh Ray Quick. Her family moved to Long Island, Kan., while she was in high school. In her senior year, they moved to Phillipsburg. After graduating from high school, she worked for the next five years as a telephone operator.
Jaunita married Floyd "Bill" Thornton on Aug. 31, 1938, and moved to Norcatur, where they bought a farm and raised corn and wheat, as well as milk cows, sheep, chickens and turkeys.
On Sept. 24, 1939, her son Billie Ray was born.
In 1947, she moved with her family to Steamboat Springs. While in Steamboat, she worked as a cook at the local high school.
In 1958, the family moved to Fort Collins, where her son, Billie, was attending college. She worked at Colorado State University in the food service department.
After retiring at the age of 72, Jaunita spent her time traveling the 50 states as well as many foreign countries. She also worked as a crossing guard for Moore School in Fort Collins and had been an Avon sales representative for many years. She was an avid collector of memorabilia and various collectibles.
Survivors include her son Bill (Donna) Thornton of Salida; granddaughter Brandi Thornton of Erie; grandsons Brindon Thornton of Denver, and Troy Thornton of Cheraw; great granddaughter Jailyn Heathman of Erie; and her canine companion, Rusty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill, and her brother, Dale Quick.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 3, 2008, at the Drake Road Chapel, Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the J.E.T. Memorial Fund in care of Allnutt Funeral Service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526.
Please visit www.allnutt.com to view Jaunita's online obituary, sign the family guestbook and send condolences.
