Mavis Thornton, 70

Mavis Thornton passed away at her home south of Lakeside on the afternoon of June 19, 2007. She was in comfort of her family and friends who were able to be there to say their farewells 'and escort her to the next life.'

Mavis was terminal with kidney cancer which turned into other secondary cancers. The cancer may have been fatal but she never thought that she should let the cancer get the better of her. She was a very courageous, optimistic, loving, and resilient woman.

Mavis was born Aug. 25, 1936, to Roy and Leona Simons in Michigan, N.D. She was the second child of four.

In 1946, Mavis and her family moved to Lakeside. She brought her beloved horse, Pony, with her on whom she rode at the fair races and also in the Fourth of July parades. Her love of horses survived through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mavis lived most of her life here in Lakeside. She married Dellivan 'Dell' Thornton Sr., on July 6, 1955. They were blessed with five children.

She was a very family-orientated person, her and Dell's door was always open to her children, grandchildren, and family friends as well. Mavis was a very giving person and would take in anyone who was in need. She would give the clothes off her back if she knew it would help someone.

She also was a very honest and hard working person, a person who thought, 'What can I do?' and not 'what can I gain?' Most of her working years were spent in the public eye. She worked in such places as The Park Inn, Finish Line, Blacktail Inn, and later on as a home healthcare worker. She worked for many, many years until she fell ill and was unable to physically work any longer.

One of the things that Mavis was known for were the stories she used to tell about when she was a child. She and her wonderful stories will be greatly missed. Her philosophy in life was to never stay angry and her life's motto was 'kill them with kindness.'

As to her grandchildren, Mavis put the 'grand' in grandma. They believe that there never will be a person like her in a million years.

She was preceded in death by the tragic losses of her son, Dale; great-grandson, Talis; husband, Dell; and grandson, Collin.

She is survived by her sons, Dellivan Jr., Donald and Dennis; and daughter, Sherry; grandchildren, Melanie and Derrick Blair, Marri and Duane Brown, Dustin, Candice, Amber and Dallas Thornton, Josh and Aaron Cork, and Holly and Josh Rich; and great-grandchildren, Angelo, Makenzy, Sierra, Santiago, Chester, Dalton, Katelynn and Aleshanee. She is also survived by her mother, Leona; sisters, Lenore and Karen; and special friends, Diane and Donna.

A celebration of Mavis' life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on July 1 at Lawrence Park. Friends and family are welcome. A reception will follow.