Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Bonnie Dance Thornton
1936 - 2017
Bonnie Dance Thornton
1936 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Bonnie Thornton Obituary
Bonnie was born August 17, 1936 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Ruth and Gilbert Dance. She was an only child and soon moved to the Louisville area where her father owned a service station. Bonnie fell in love with dance, specifically ballet, at a very young age and was a diligent student. Bonnie graduated from Male High School in 1954 and briefly attended the University of Louisville. Her passion for ballet soon took her to Manhattan where she was cast in several Broadway productions. She returned to Louisville to dance with the newly formed Louisville Ballet and served as the first prima ballerina.
She was an intense competitor and loved many sports. She was a marathon runner, fox hunter, dressage rider, swimmer, and snow skier.
She was a wonderful and dedicated wife, mother and homemaker.
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Jim Thornton; daughter Bonnie Duley (Pat) of Orlando, Florida; Son Matt Thornton (Fran) of Louisville, Kentucky; and five grandchildren Handlin Duley, Caroline Duley, Henry Thornton, Grace Thornton and James Thornton II.
Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 at Pearson Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane. Funeral and burial services will be Private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Rick & Betty Czerwonka
June 23, 2017
Jim, Our prayers to the Lord of Love are with you all, now and for always. Peace be with you !!!
June 22, 2017
To all the Thornton Family,I am so sorry for your loss,you all have my deepest sympathy ,she was always so friendly when I would see her at 1400 Willow.She will be missed.Debbie whittenberg
Louisville Ballet
June 22, 2017
The Louisville Ballet family will always remember you with love and admiration as our first prima ballerina, and your contributions to Louisville Ballet will always be fondly regarded. We extend our condolences to your family.
Bob Taylor
June 22, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40207
Make a Donation
in Bonnie Thornton's name
How to support Bonnie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bonnie Thornton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
