Erlene Dunning Thornley

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Erlene Dunning Thornley

LAYTON a€" Erlene (Dunning) Thornley passed away May 8, 2011 at her home in Layton. She was born December 31, 1932 in Bay City, IL to Samuel H. Dunning and Gertrude Irene Kinglsey. She married Jay Done Thornley on October 9, 1964 in Kaysville, Utah.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jay D. Thornley and brothers Fred Dunning, Hillis Dunning, Jack Dunning and sister Lucille Dowell. She is survived by three sons: Timothy (Betty) Thornley, Randall (Diana) Thornley and Jon Jay (Melissa) Thornley and a daughter Sherry (Michael) McCoy. Erlene is survived by brothers Lelbert Dunning, Sam Dunning and her twin sister Eulene Schuler. She loved and was devoted to many great grandchildren, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who brought great joy in her life.

Erlene worked as a Contract Negotiator in Contracting Command on Hill AFB. She retired after 26 years of Federal service. She was a very active member of Layton Hills Baptist Church for over 50 years. Erlene was a lifetime member of the International Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi.

Erlene was vivacious, had a love of learning and a great sense of fun and adventure. She was energetic and always on the go. She had such a positive outlook, was generous, helpful and welcoming to all. She was the kind of person who made you feel good and offered positive words of encouragement. She volunteered through her church for several disaster recovery events and was proud to be chain saw certified. She was also proud to be from Superman''s hometown of Metropolis. She was a wonderful role model and we are truly blessed to have had her in our life. Erlene was a very special and amazing lady. We loved her so much and will keep her memory alive in our hearts.

Erlene asked to be remembered with this quote: "Weep not for me, loved ones dear. I am not dead but sleeping here. Weep not for me, it''s all in vain. We only part to meet again."

The family expresses gratitude to Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, Layton Hills Baptist Church, family, sorority, neighbors, friends, for their loving personal support.

A memorial service to honor Erlene will be held Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah 84041. Friends may visit family Saturday from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. A fellowship meal will be following for family and friends at Layton Hills Baptist Church, 1332 Hillfield Road in Layton, Utah 84041. Condolences can be sent online at www.lindquistmortuary.com or Erlene''s facebook page. Cremation will be under the direction of Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary. Flowers may be sent to funeral home or the family request donations be made to the Layton Hills Baptist Church at the above address to benefit the Utah a€"Idaho Disaster Relief Team.