Evonne Zelma Thornton's Obituary
Evonne Zelma Thornton, age 84, of Sparta, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 8:44 a.m., in her home surrounded by her loving family.
Evonne was born on February 8, 1941 in Larned, KS, a daughter to Lawrence Clayton and Pauline Catherine (Knoll) Hamilton. On July 20, 1963, she married Roy Robert “Bob” Thornton at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Sparta, IL and he preceded her in death on August 16, 2023. She worked as a seamstress for Intuition and Bridal Originals for many years, as well as being a licensed beautician for the family. Evonne was the union representative for the seamstress union. Evonne enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, traveling, cooking, and canning. She enjoyed having family gatherings and watching her grandbabies grow. Evonne also loved flowers and butterflies. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include three daughters, Tamara “Tammy” (Daniel) Craft of Sparta, IL; Debra “Debbie” Grapperhaus (Steve Hummert, Jr.) of Coulterville, IL, and Victoria “Vicky” Potter (John Kirby) of Steeleville, IL; one sister, Beverly O’Connor of 29 Palms, CA; ten grandchildren, Jeff (April) Zimmermann, Valerie (Chris) Sinn, Billy (Darian) Craft, Clarissa (Jim) Lohse, Megan Grapperhaus, Cody (Haylee) Hummert, Allisanne (Tyler) Penny, Walker Lewis-Hummert, Nick (Meghann) Potter, and Sara Potter (fiancé Tyler Clark); seventeen great-grandchildren, Drew and Emma Zimmerman, Elliot, Roy, and Max Sinn, Beau Daniel and Paul Thomas Craft, Molly, Sophie, and James Lohse, Everett and Hudson Potter, Kinsely, Tate, and Kam Penny and Tripp and Kyler Hummert; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband Bob Thornton; and a brother in infancy.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Monday, December 15, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
Funeral service will be at Pyatt Funeral Home, Coulterville, IL on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Tom Foster officiating. Interment will be in Coulterville City Cemetery, Coulterville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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