Janece Helen Thornton

Burley, Idaho - Janece Helen Thornton, age 87, of Burley, passed away on Thursday morning, Jan. 10, 2013, at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley where she had resided for the last 14 months.

She was born Janece Helen Klink on Dec. 4, 1925. She was the daughter of Albert Thomas and Elsie Helen Garner Klink (the founders of the former Klink’s Florist). She was born in their home before they could get to the hospital; she was with that, as with everything else – ready to meet the world. She received her education in Burley and graduated from Burley High School. She then attended the University of Idaho in Moscow where she met Ralph Thornton on a blind date. They married soon thereafter and had nearly 50 years together before Ralph’s passing on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, 1995.

Together, they were partners in every aspect of life including helping take Ralph Thornton Construction from a few trowels in the trunk of a car, to a large and successful business.

Growing up, she was a tomboy – being much more interested in playing basketball and climbing trees than in normal girl things. When she grew old enough, she worked in her dad’s store every day after school. Her father and uncle started with an appliance/record store, but after World War II, they turned it into a flourishing flower shop.

She was a member of the Burley United Methodist Church and had also held membership in the Burley chapter of the Soroptimist Club. She enjoyed any collectible she could get her hands on but, was partial to antiques. Additionally, she enjoyed collecting rocks and stamps. However, her favorite things in life were being with her children and grandchildren.

Janece is survived by her children, Nan (Orlie) Runyon of Covington, Wash., Art (Michelle) Thornton of Burley, and Jim (RaNada) Thornton of Wake Forest, N.C.; ten grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Albert (Martha) Klink of Burley.

In addition to her husband, Ralph, she was preceded in death by her parents; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Lee Thornton.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., in Burley, with the Rev. Kathy Abend officiating. Burial will be in the Gem Memorial Gardens.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church.