Shirley Thornton, 94 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 7:28 pm Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison. She was born August 12, 1923 in rural Lee County, Iowa a daughter of Roy and Olga Lucille (Jensen) Moore. On January 21, 1949, she married William "Bill" I. Thornton in Burlington, Iowa. He preceded her in death January 24, 2002.

Shirley was a 1940 graduate of Fairfield High School. She moved to Fort Madison in 1958. For twelve years, she worked for Sheaffer Pen in production and assembly, retiring in 1987. She was a member of the Fort Madison United Methodist Church. She enjoyed her flower gardens, bird watching, her dogs, cooking, NBA basketball, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Shirley is survived by three sons: Michael (Paula) Thornton of Springfield, Missouri; Randall Thornton of Fort Madison; and Patrick Thornton of Lakewood, Colorado; three daughters: Jill (Tim) Bruhl of Fort Madison; Melody (Mike) Brixius of Fort Madison; Lori (Joe) Saluri of Hudson, Wisconsin; nineteen grandchildren: Chad, Jason, Justin, Christy, Matt, Megan, Morgan, Jesse, Justine, Ross, Sarah, Lauren, Willie, Amy, Angela, Carter, Noah, Hope, and Britian; eighteen great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter; special nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers (Kenneth, Mearl, William, and Robert) and three sisters (Pearl McCoy, Edna Ruggles, and Mildred Burkhart).

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 am Thursday, May 3, 2018 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Funeral services will follow and begin at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Reverend Lanette Van officiating. Private family burial will be at Soldiers Circle, Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. A memorial has been established for PAWS, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.