Ramona Marie Thornton

Longtime Vinita Public Schools teacher and Vinita resident Ramona Marie Thornton, 90, passed away on October 8, 2023, in Claremore, Oklahoma. She was born October 21, 1932, in Libby, Montana, to Halstead C. Remp and Bonnie E. (Dunwoody) Remp. Ramona graduated from Libby High School, in Libby, Montana. She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at the University of Idaho and later a Master of Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She was a lifelong learner and took guitar lessons when she was in her eighties.  Mrs. Thornton taught school in New Hampshire, Washington, Alaska, and finally Vinita teaching at Southeast, Will Rogers, Hall Halsell, and Vinita High School. She loved teaching and enjoyed all the children and young adults. On August 10, 1956, she married the love of her life, Robert L. Thornton in Libby, Montana. He preceded her in death in December of 2010. Mrs. Thornton enjoyed traveling, gardening, woodworking, and shopping for antiques. She was very handy sewing not only clothing but also draperies, and re-upholstering furniture. Mrs. Thornton was a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church of Vinita and loved singing in the choir and was very active in many of the lady’s church groups. Above all she loved her family. Ramona had a special place in her heart for all her children and grandchildren Ramona Marie Thornton will be missed by all who knew her.

Preceding Mrs. Thornton in death are her parents, Halstead and Bonnie Remp, her husband, Robert L. Thornton, a brother, Raymond Remp, and a sister-in-law, Iris Remp.

Surviving Mrs. Thornton are her children, Roberta Porter, of Woodland Park, Colorado, Shannon Thornton-Nagy and husband Chris, of Hastings, Michigan, Shawn Thornton and wife Rhae, of Owasso, Oklahoma, Patrick Thornton and wife Paula, of Collinsville, Oklahoma, Stacey Thornton, of Vinita, grandchildren, Bonnie Porter, Kenny Porter, Jacob Thornton, Steven Nagy, great grandchildren, Leo Porter, Kai Porter, many other relatives, and a host of friends.

Graveside services will be held at Fairview Cemetery Vinita, Oklahoma, 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 12, 2023. Visitation for Mrs. Thornton will be held 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2023, with a Rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or see our Facebook page.