Ruby Johnson Thornley

Ruby Johnson Thornley passed away Feb 23, 2011. Glen Jay, Ilene, Ann and Owen are proud and blessed to call her mother. Ruby was born March 11, 1918 in Beaver Dam, Utah to Joseph Seymour and Kate Yates Johnson. She married Glen Thornley in 1940 in the Logan Temple, and they made their home at the same location in Smithfield since that time. She was the last remaining of 13 children and their spouses. Her mind remained keen throughout her nearly 93 years. Ruby was a loving homemaker, and a dear friend to many people. She was an expert seamstress and, to her hundreds of quilts, she added five more in 2011. She served at the side of her husband Glen, for many years as the secretary of the Smithfield Irrigation Company and they also served as caretakers for the Sky View High School Seminary. They loved to be together constantly, and she embodied the literal and spiritual definition of a helpmate, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an avid genealogist and historian and served as a reference for many seeking information and assistance. She graduated from Bear River High School, but her intellectual abilities were reflective of far greater education and wisdom. Her amazing memory served her well to the very end. She served almost continually in church callings, worked in PTA while her children were in school, and most recently wrote monthly letters to those serving missions from her ward. She cherished her family, her pioneer heritage, her work ethic, her testimony, and the prospect of meeting her husband again. Ruby is survived by her entire posterity: Glen Jay Thornley Paula, Ilene Thornley Barney Lee, Ann Thornley Hoth Valden, and Owen Thornley Shelley, 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by Faye Thornley Jenson, a sister-in-law. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Logan Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Our gratitude also goes to the many friends and family who often visited and served Ruby over the past several years. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 1, at 12 noon at the Smithfield 1st and 2nd Ward chapel, located at 175 South 100 West in Smithfield, UT. Family and friends may call at the Nelson Funeral Home in Smithfield, Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com