Beverly "Sue" Thornton

1934 - 2022

Beverly "Sue" Thornton, 88, Forest, peacefully went to be with her Lord & Savior at 3:43 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2022, at her home. She was born Jan. 24, 1934, in Forest, the daughter of the late Ralph and Florence (Chapple) Milner. On May 31, 1959, she married Robert "Tex" Thornton in Dyer, IN, who preceded her in death on Nov. 2, 2016.

Sue was a 1951 graduate of Forest High School, where she enjoyed a high level of success as a student athlete. She was presented with the Purdue GAA award for all around excellence. She also served as the secretary and treasurer of her class. Upon graduation, Sue wasted no time finding a job and was hired at Haynes Stellite as a quality controller. Sue and her sister Marilyn worked alternating shifts in order to provide care for their aging grandmother. While at Stellite, she met and befriended many co-workers that became lifelong friends. For recreation, Sue joined a rouge softball team sponsored by the YWCA. Her skill, talent and outgoing personality earned her a job as the Y-teen director. Many of the young athletes she mentored were so impacted by her influence that they too formed decade long friendships. Coaching brought much satisfaction but competing was Sue's passion. She holds the record at 55 years of consecutive participation in the state tournament. Bowling brought many new friends, adventures and even a lifelong partner as she met her husband Tex while bowling. Sue became an ambassador for the sport holding many offices and committee chairs throughout her long and colorful bowling career. She was elected to both the Kokomo and State Bowling Hall of Fames. During the summers, she played golf, mostly at the American Legion, of which she was a longtime supporter. Sue prided herself in out-driving most male counter parts and won many side bets which were always donated to charities. She also excelled at cards, darts, and billiards. Sue participated in the Area IV Senior Games for many years winning numerous medals. With her family, Sue enjoyed many camping and fishing expeditions.

Sue was also a lover of the Purdue Christmas show and Beef & Boards dinner theatre. She often arranged group outings for those without transportation. She always devoted much time to community good works. She ran the area food pantry for over 30 years and oversaw the voting poles, serving as Inspector for more than 2 solid decades.

Family, faith, friends and fun were her cornerstones. Sue was willing to help better her community and church in any way asked of her. She devoutly served the Lord and honestly lived by the "Golden rule". She earned a countless number of friends as a credit to her devotion and determination to help people live their best lives. Like George Bailey, Sue had a rich, wonderful life, she will be missed.

Sue is survived by her daughters, Nancy (Jim) Feasel, and Betsy Thornton; nieces, Rebecca (Loren) Curry, Pam (Clarence Vlasak) Wakeman, Jennifer (Simon) Ladd, Marla (Kirk) Caldwell, and Darlene (Jim) Hensley; nephews, John (Bunny) Wakeman, Robert (Peg) Wakeman, and J.J. Thornton; brother, Jerry Milner; and beloved K-9 companion, Princess. Sue was also the birth mother of Doug Rogers with whom she developed an affectionate relationship several years ago while he was researching his biological roots. Doug has added 2 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren to the family.

In addition to her husband Tex, Sue was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dick Milner; sister, Marilyn Milner; in-laws, Doug and Eleanor (Milner) Wakeman; and son-in-law, Bob Young.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1967 W. Boulevard St, Kokomo, with Pastor Jeff Sexton and Pastor Phillip Collier officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family 3-6 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the City of First USBC memo-Sue and Tex Scholarship, the Calvary Baptist Church, or the Forest Baptist Church in Sue's memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stout & Son Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutand son.com.