M Oleta Thornton

Oleta Acker Thornton September 20, 1914 - August 18, 2018 Oleta Acker Thornton passed away peacefully August 18, 2018 at the age of 103 in Amarillo. Graveside Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Melrose Cemetery in Melrose, NM. Viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Cox Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Oleta was born in Dialville, TX on September 20, 1914 to Ben and Priscilla Acker. As a child she moved with her family to Melrose, NM where she lived until graduating from Melrose High School. Upon graduation she moved to Clovis, NM where she worked for the City of Clovis and then retired from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Clovis for many years. Oleta was a Life Master duplicate bridge player and avid sports fan. She played basketball in high school and seldom missed a Braves or Rangers baseball game. Oleta was a wonderful mother and role model that taught her children to be self-sufficient and honor their responsibilities. She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Roy Thornton; a brother, Clarence Acker; three sisters, Maude Stone, Marilyn Blair and Beulah Lockett. Oleta is survived by a son, Kent Thornton and wife Denise; a daughter, Jan Wright; grandchildren, Kelly Sanford and husband Dan, Brittany Wilkins and husband Justin and Blane Thornton; great-grandchildren, Ashley and Austin Sanford, Harper and Jack Wilkins, extended family and friends. Oleta was an amazing woman who many people loved and appreciated. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. (Published by Cox Funeral Home, Sunday, August 19, 2018)