Esther Elizabeth Thornton, nee McAfee, 91, of Maryville, Ill., born July 19, 1917, in Stockholm, Maine, died Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Rosewood Care Center, Edwardsville, Ill.

Mrs. Thornton lived her childhood years in Greenville, Maine and most of her adult life in Orrington, Maine. She also lived and worked in Phoenix, Ariz., for several years before returning to Orrington, Maine. She was a stitcher for the Viners Shoe Company in Bangor, Maine. She also worked at a nursing home and Private Home Care in Phoenix, Ariz. She was a member of United Methodist Church in Orrington, Maine. She was a member of the Home Extension Service and the Rebekah Lodge for more than 60 years. Esther loved to travel and visit children and grandchildren. Her Travels also took her to Germany, Italy and Australia. Esther's other interests were a love of flowers, birds, cooking and sewing. Her smile and love of life will be missed by her family and friends.


She was preceded in death by her husband, David E. Thornton; son, Robert Bruce Thornton; parents, John Larry McAfee and Amanda M., nee Dahlen, McAfee; grandchildren, David Hughston, Bruce Leathers, Robbie Thornton and Carey Thornton; brothers, Charles McAfee, Arnold McAfee, Frank McAfee, Donald McAfee, Frederick McAfee and Edward McAfee; sisters, Dorothy McAfee.

Surviving are her daughters, Shirley Hughston of Northport, Fla.; Cathy (James) Leathers of Troy, Ill., Judy Parady of Hampden, Maine and Karen (Russ) Lowry of Union Grove, Ala.; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Dennis Price will officiate.

LAUGHLIN-RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, Troy, Ill.