Wilma Elsa THORNTON

THORNTON Wilma Elsa (Hasekoester), of Lexington, passed away April 30, 2011. She was born June 13, 1924 in Cincinnati, OH in the home of her parents. She spent her early years in the vibrant German Northside section of that city. The family moved to Newport, KY in about 1930 and it is there that she met her future husband, Paul Thornton, the father of her sons. Though her early marriage took her to several states, the family eventually returned to Kentucky, this time Lexington, and there she settled happily for the rest of her life. Employed for many years with the library at the University of Kentucky, Wilma was an avid reader and the center of a large circle of friends and admirers. She was thought of as a best friend, second mother, and confidant by men and women locally and in distant cities. An admirer of thoroughbred racing, Kentucky basketball, and Kentucky history, Wilma took great pride in her family. Late in life she developed an interest in learning more about her German ancestors and helped organize a family reunion for her Hasekoester cousins. She spoke with her sons daily and her grandchildren frequently, keeping them abreast of the news from more distant cousins or dear family friends. She was the glue to the fabric of her associations. She leaves her son, Steve Thornton and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Thornton of Lexington and her son, Michael P. Thornton and daughter-in-law, Amy Thornton of Cambridge, MA. She also leaves two grand-daughters, Barrett and Katherine Thornton, and two grandsons, Mitchell and Clarke Thornton. Gifts may be made to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am, May 21st at The Mansion at Griffin Gate, 1800 Newton Pike, Lexington.