Della Mason Thornton
February 3, 1933 — March 24, 2009
Della Thornton passed away on 24 March 2009 surrounded by her loved ones. She is the last child born to Albert and Sarah Mason on 3 February 1933 in Springville, Utah. She married Vernal Bennett Thornton, the love of her life, on 21 November 1951, later solemnized in the LDS Swiss Temple. Their 57-year journey is marked by love, humor, happiness, compassion, and abiding tenderness. Two daughters completed the core family, and they opened their doors widely, forming a generous circle of love that encompassed many hearts.
Della enjoyed twelve years of living in Europe, traveling extensively and enjoying her interactions with people in diverse cultures and their cuisines. Particularly memorable were Christmastime ski weeks in Tyrol and long road trips. She loved Christmas and children; scores of nieces and nephews recall the kindness of Aunt Della.
She is a vivacious soul, a competitive ballroom dancer (but her husband wasn't), a lover of music, cars, travel, conversation. She is a keen observer and listener, wise, honest, generous, discerning, kind, and charitable. She played a mean game of cards.
She is survived by her husband Vernal Thornton, daughter Debra Thornton, daughter Julie Chadwick, son-in-law Dean A. Chadwick, grandchildren Andrew and Kristi Chadwick, and great-granddaughter Brynlee Chadwick, and sister Martha (Lloyd) Barker. She lived a long and happy life and now joins her parents and siblings, Bessie, Georgia, Ronald, Leo, Mildred, Albert, Betty, and Joan.
A graveside service will be held in her honor at 1:00 p.m. on Friday March 27 at the Evergreen cemetery in Springville. Family and friends are welcome to attend.