Alice Thornton, age 94, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014, at the Kyle Health Care Centre, Kyle, SK. Alice was born on June 20, 1919, in Bethune, SK, to Alice & Charles Thomason, who farmed in the area. She was raised and educated in Bethune along with her brother and two sisters. Upon completing her education she worked as a house sitter for a family from Woodley, SK and later on she helped cook for a threshing crew at Simpson. Alice met Wally Thornton in 1940, an elevator agent in Benson, SK. They were married on August 4, 1942, and soon after Wally was enlisted in the war. Due to health reasons he was not sent overseas, but served with the Royal Canadian Signals Corps until being discharged in 1946. This took them to Kingston, ON, Edmonton, AB and later to Fort Smith, NWT. Being in the north was very isolated but she taught herself how to knit and even knitted mitts for the many service men stationed in Fort Smith at that time. After being discharged, Wally returned to being an elevator agent and they lived in Huntoon, Bethune, Forgan and the Matador, all in Saskatchewan. Alice & Wally had a son, Darwin James, born in 1952, who sadly passed away in 1954, and a daughter, Cheryl Ann, born in 1955. In her younger days, Alice enjoyed the sport of curling. She loved growing flowers, gardening and working in her yard. Alice belonged to various organizations such as the UCW, Legion, Hospital Auxiliary, and the United Church Choir. She also babysat her three grandchildren, Danielle, Melissa and Jena and took great pride in watching them in their various activities. In the last year, due to failing health, Alice was a resident in the Kyle Health Centre where she received wonderful care until her passing. Alice was predeceased by her husband; her son, Darwin James; her parents; one brother; and by two sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl & Jay Sorensen; her grandchildren, Danielle, Melissa and Jena; and by her great-grandchild, Lachlan.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 23, 2014, at 2:00 pm from the Kyle United Church, Kyle, SK with Rev. Jim MacNaughton officiating. The pianist for the service was Darlene Smith. “Come Let Us Sing of a Wonderful Love” and “In the Bulb There is a Flower” were sung by the congregation under the direction of the United Church Choir. The ushers in the church were Guy Sorensen and Jim Christensen. The Interment Service was held at the Clearwater Cemetery, Kyle, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Arik Stokell, Harley Gustavson, Orin Sorensen, Byron Sorensen, Stan Dawe and Ron Smith. In memory of Alice Thornton, donations made to the Kyle Health Centre - Activities Fund would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. For further information or to leave a personal message of condolence on the family‘s obituary page, please go to swiftcurrentfuneralhome.com