Dora Leona Thornton

Dora Leona Thornton 87, of Pocatello, Idaho, passed away peacefully on August 24th 2025 at Quail Ridge.

She was surrounded by her Son, Curtis Williams and his wife Joy, granddaughter Erin Bobeck and stepdaughters Wendy and Debbie Jo.

Born on February 26th, 1938 in Poplar, Montana. She was the fifth of six siblings, with Brothers Sonny and Arnie, Sisters Norma, Lois and Nellie.

Her family moved to Bremerton, Washington in 1953 for her dad’s work at the shipyard.

She met Bill Williams there where he was stationed in the Navy. They were married and had her daughter Sue in May 1954. They moved to Kalispell, Montana later on and had son Curtis in July 1958.

After a few moves from Idaho Falls to Bakersfield California, they ended up in Pocatello in 1968.

A Computer chip computer company, AMI came to Pocatello around 1970 and she was one of the first 30 people hired on. After about 20 years she retired and waited for 1993 when Gary retired.

Dora and Bill were divorced in 1973. After a couple years she started dating Gary Thornton.

They were married on December 18th 1976. They were a great couple, traveling and fishing was their life for 48 years. They moved to Tillamook, Oregon in 1994 for the big fish. After finally tired of the rain they moved to Twin Fall, Idaho in 2008. Their beautiful house was one that all the neighbors envied.

She loved gardening and spent many hours taking care of her flowers, yellow roses were always her favorite.

Her health started to decline in 2021 and they moved back to Pocatello, Idaho to Grace Assisted living for a year. They then moved to Quail Ridge in 2022.

After Gary’s passing on April 22nd 2025, she was alone and missed him a lot.

Four months later she went to be with Gary and daughter Sue.

The entire staff at Quail Ridge loved her and the family is grateful for all the loving care she received.

Also a big thanks to the Heritage Hospice staff that took great care of her.

Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Nina Todd, brother Sonny, sisters Norma, Lois, Nellie and daughter Sue.

She is survived by son Curtis and his wife Joy, stepdaughters Wendy Taft and Debbie Jo and brother Arnie Todd; seven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held on September 6th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Lava Cemetery in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

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