Virginia Fern Thornton, 89 of Covington died at 6:00 p. m. Tuesday June 17, 2014 at The Waters of Covington, having been a patient a short time. She was born January 1, 1925 at Berne, IN the daughter of Sam and Iona Ethel (Eskridge) Zahnd.
Virginia was a resident of Sidney, IL in early life and graduated from Sidney High School. She resided in Lewellen, NE for several years and moved to Covington in 1959. She was a homemaker and farm wife, who enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren, oil painting, baking, flowers, gardening, and canning.
Her memberships: Salem United Methodist Church, Rural Troy Homemakers Club of which she was a past president, and Covington Art league.
Virginia married William A. R. Thornton September 15, 1946 at Sidney, IL and he died July 26, 1997. Surviving is a daughter Sherri (Charles) Nester of Peoria, AZ; 3 sons, Robert W. (Sharon) Thornton of Roanoke, IL; Christopher (Tracy) Thornton of Mattoon, IL; and David (Lisa) Thornton of Covington, IN; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Her parents and a brother preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Noon until the time of services at 2:00 p. m. EDT Friday June 20, 2014 at Shelby Funeral Home, Covington. Pastor Paul Kent will officiate and burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery at Sidney, IL.
Memorials requested to Covington Community Foundation. Condolences to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com.