Kathleen (Graham) Thornock, 75, a resident of Silver City, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 11 December 2023 11 December 2023

ThornockKKathleen (Graham) Thornock
May 6, 1948 – November 30, 2023
In loving memory of Kathleen Thornock (Gramzy), our cherished mother, grandmother, and soul mate, who peacefully passed away on November 30, 2023. Kathleen was born on June 3, 1948, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the second child of Laurence and Donna Mae Graham.

Kathleen's early years were marked by the nomadic lifestyle of a military family.  Her father, a dedicated US Marine, was stationed at various military facilities during WWII and the Korean Conflict; international travels including appointment to NATO in Brussels, Belgium. Despite the travels, Kathleen always considered California her home, having graduated from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, CA.

Her life took a beautiful turn at Brigham Young University, where she met her future soul mate, Terry L. Thornock.  Kathleen and Terry became inseparable, exchanging vows in Provo, UT on June 3, 1968. Their journey together was blessed with the arrival of their children: Christopher Lawrence, Jeremy Nicholas, and Stacey Lynn. The couple embraced a life filled with adventure, residing in various locations including Helena, MT; Bountiful, UT; Tucson, AZ; Silver City, NM; and Santiago, Chile, following Terry's assignments in the mining industry.  Kathleen also took the opportunity as a ‘granny nanny’ for extended stay and travel to Bath, England and Chennai, India for her youngest grandson.

Kathleen leaves behind a legacy of three wonderful families, each branch extending the family tree: Christopher and Tiffany (Smith), including Jameson, Susannah (Sosa), Josephine, Sophia; Jeremy and Julie (Humberstone) including August, Cora; and Stacey (Miller) and Matt. including Andrew, Nicholas (2018), and Simon.  They all were the joy of her life.

Preceded in death by her sister Lauralee Franklin and grandson Nicholas Miller.  Kathleen was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Her life was marked by selfless service, holding various callings, and being quick to extend a helping hand to friends and neighbors in need.  Most importantly, Kathleen possessed a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Kathleen was a woman of many talents – a skilled cook and baker renowned for her award-winning apple pie, a self-taught seamstress creating incredible costumes, beautiful dresses and handicrafts, and a storyteller who generously shared her experiences with all who were willing to listen. As a mother, she was the epitome of love and care, always offering guidance and showering her children and grandchildren with affection.

In this moment of sorrow, Terry and Kathleen's extended family wish to express heartfelt gratitude to the medical group and staff of Fort Bayard Medical Center, E wing for their support and comfort during Kathleen's brief stay. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

A Memorial service to be held Saturday, December 16th, 2023 at 11:00am, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints (LDS Chapel) in Silver City, New Mexico.   

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trust care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com .    

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