Mary Lou (LaFrance) Thornton

Mary  Lou Thornton, 76, long-time resident of Shelby, passed away Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Marias Care Center.  After valiantly surviving Parkinson’s Disease with grace and dignity for nearly 9 years, she was ready to meet her Savior.  Memorial services are Friday, February 28, at 10:00 am at Community United Methodist Church.  Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou was born November 24, 1937 in Shelby, the eldest of three daughters born to Amos and Eleanor (Kaatz) LaFrance.  She received her education in Shelby and then earned her degree in elementary education from Rocky Mountain College in Billings.  Mary Lou taught in Sidney for 6 years until she met Walter Thornton during her summer vacation in Shelby.  They were engaged in 1963 and married in 1965 while she taught in Shelby for 4 more years.  Walt and Mary Lou had daughter Julie in 1967 and Bruce in 1970.

Mary Lou chose to stay home teaching piano and doing child care in their home for 14 years.  After their children were grown and gone, Mary Lou began work at the Marias Museum and then at the Toole County Library for 20 years.  Mary Lou was very active in the United Methodist Church as organist, pianist, choir member, Sunday School teacher, as well as other activities over the years.  Mary Lou sang for many funerals and weddings as well as in community groups.

Mary Lou was very proud of Bruce’s military service in the US Army and her Julie’s family serving as Christian missionaries in the Philippines.

Mary Lou loved to be creative.  She had made many quilts in her last years for her grandchildren whom she loved so very much.  Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband, Walter of Shelby; daughter, Julie (Wes) Hutchinson, Alberta, Canada; son, Bruce (Christina) Thornton of Shelby; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Edna (Karl) Finholm of Missoula.  She is predeceased by her parents and sister Arla LaFrance.