Lois Ann Thornton

Lois Ann Thornton, 88, of Spencer, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at her residence in Spencer, Indiana. Lois was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 24, 1936 to William Pearson Wright and Ruby Olive (Price) Wright. She was a1953 graduate of Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. Lois was married on June 20th,1954 to the love of her life, Charles Raymond Thornton, a sergeant and cook in the US Army. They began their life and family together at several army stations including Fort Benning, GA, Fort Knox, KY, and Münchweiler, Germany. After Charles Raymond left active duty, the Thornton family made their permanent home in Spencer, Indiana. Lois worked as a nurse at Bloomington Hospital and as a school nurse in Spencer. Her passion was always helping people, especially children. One of her greatest joys was in caring for newborns in the maternity ward; she was always thrilled to hold a baby in her lap. Lois felt it was her life's purpose to guide and support those in need: helping them make positive life decisions. Even in her later years, she continued to find and pursue that purpose with compassion. It was that personal vocation that led Lois to become a foster caregiver. Beginning in 1977, Lois with her husband, Charlie, then a police officer in Spencer, began to provide a nurturing home for young children and teens, a practice that continued for nearly three decades. Both Lois and Charlie, also taught and supported new foster parents just beginning in the system. They advocated and provided for the safety and care of so many young lives and preserved so many families in Owen County, Indiana during those years. After retirement from work and providing foster care, Lois, Charlie and their little dog, Buddy, could often be found on the Central-South Indiana flea market circuit, traveling to fairs, festivals, and shows and camping out in their RV. The flea market community of modern nomads led to many friendships and adventures. They took a cross-country trip in their RV to see the America they loved and to visit their sons. The best part of the trip for Lois, though, was the stop at Graceland as she was a devoted Elvis fan all her life. Lois is survived by her children: Raye Ann Townsend of Spencer, IN, Samuel Thornton(Joann Flick) of East Glacier Park, MT, Judith Kathleen Bancroft of Martinsville, IN, and Scott Lee (Patricia) Thornton of Manteca, CA; grandchildren: Tony (Kimberly) Floyd, Terry (Mhairi) Floyd, Tiffany (Tyler) Landis, Casey Bancroft, Shawnda Bancroft, and Jama Cottengim, Jama's dad and close family friend, David Cottengim; grandchildren: Austin (Samantha) Keltner, Presley Keltner, and Carter Thornton, great-grandchildren: Tori Floyd, Travis (Sierra) Floyd, and Trevor Floyd, Jacob Booker, Marley Miller, Maria Bancroft, and Seraphina Keltner; great-great granddaughter: Tessa Floyd, brother-in-law: Charles Moss, over 140 foster children that lived with Lois and Charlie for a few days up to several years, and many extended family members and friends. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles Raymond Thornton, her son-in-law: Kerry Townsend and her two elder sisters: Wilma Jean (Robert) White and Shirley Moss. A Celebration of Life for Lois is planned on April 24th, 1 pm at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship, 338 IN43, Spencer, IN. All are welcome to attend. Lois' family is planning a permanent memorial to enhance the riverside park, Cooper Commons, in Spencer near the park''s Lois Lane, a name suggested affectionately by her loving husband, Police Officer Charlie Thornton. Condolences for the family may be sent to West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home, 105 North Montgomery Street, Spencer, Indiana 47460 or online at www.westparrishpedigo.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lois, please visit our Tree Store.